Measles case confirmed on Calgary flight

A vial of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is pictured at the Taber Community Health Centre in Taber, Alta., Monday, July 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is alerting the public about a confirmed case of measles on a flight that landed in Calgary late last month.

According to the advisory, the infected passenger on KLM Flight 677 from Amsterdam landed in Calgary at 1:29 p.m. on Nov. 22.

That individual spent approximately three hours at the Calgary International Airport in the international arrivals, customs and baggage claim areas.

Then, two days later, the person went to the emergency department at the Claresholm General Hospital.

They were exposed to the public from 5:43 p.m. to 10:23 p.m. on Nov. 24.

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AHS says anyone in those locations during the times listed and has less than two doses of measles-containing vaccine or who has never had measles may be at risk.

“They should self-monitor for symptoms of measles and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records,” AHS said in the advisory.

Symptoms of measles include a fever of 38.3 C or higher, a cough, runny nose and/or red eyes and a rash that appears three to seven days after the fever.

The rash appears red and blotchy on lighter skin tones while it could be purple or darker on those with dark skin tones.

“If you think you have been exposed, and you are not protected against measles you may be able to receive immunization to reduce the risk of infection,” AHS said.

“A dose of vaccine needs to be given within 72 hours of exposure to prevent measles. Babies under one year of age, people with severely weakened immune systems, and those who are pregnant may be able to receive immunoglobulin within six days of exposure to prevent disease.

“Call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 for more information if these situations apply to you or your family.”