People are being encouraged to get vaccinated after five confirmed cases of measles has been reported in the Calgary area.
A week ago, Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced a toddler as the first confirmed case.
On Friday, AHS reported four new confirmed cases.
Health officials say the five infected people range in age from 18 months to 40-years-old.
Three of them are related to, or were in contact with, the toddler whose case was confirmed last week.
It’s not clear how the fifth person contracted the virus.
Health officials are concerned because last year there was only one confirmed case of measles in the entire province.
AHS officials say anyone who has not already had measles or has been vaccinated against measles may be at risk for developing the disease.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose or red eyes and a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts. The rash typically begins behind the ears and on the face, spreading down to the body, and finally to the arms and legs.
Because it is an airborne disease, measles is highly contagious. AHS says you do not have to have close contact with an infected person to catch the disease. In addition to being spread by coughing and sneezing, measles is also spread through air currents.
There is no cure for measles, but it can be prevented with vaccination.
The MMR Vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, is part of the routine Childhood Immunization Program in Alberta. Children in Alberta typically receive their first dose of MMR Vaccine at 12 months of age and their second dose between the ages of four and six years. Both doses are required to be fully protected.
To book MMR vaccinations, call your local Community Health Centre or Public Health Office. For more information about measles and MMR vaccine, call HealthLink Alberta at 403-943-LINK (5465) or, outside the local calling area, at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).
