The Alberta government has confirmed two cases of measles in the Edmonton area, triggering a public health advisory due to potential exposure at two locations last week.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) issued the warning, advising that anyone who visited the Belle Rive Medicentres Family Health Care Clinic on Wednesday afternoon might have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.

Similarly, individuals who were at the emergency department of Stollery Children’s Hospital late Friday evening should also be vigilant.

This outbreak comes as part of a concerning trend across Alberta, with new cases reported in other cities including Calgary and Fort Vermilion.

Specifically, Calgary confirmed a single case on Saturday, with potential exposures identified at four locations from March 8 to March 12.

In Fort Vermilion, an alarming eight confirmed cases were reported among the Little Red River Cree Nation, impacting three households, along with another suspected case pending laboratory results.

Notably, Alberta Health officials have indicated that the majority of confirmed cases—eight out of eleven—are in children under the age of 10, with one case involving an infant under one year old.

These infections have been traced back to travel, with exposures occurring not only in Ontario but also in at least two international destinations.

AHS urges anyone who may have been exposed and who was born after 1970 but has not received two doses of the measles vaccine to monitor for symptoms closely.

Symptoms include a high fever (above 38.3 C) and distinctive red spot-like rashes that typically first appear on the face a few days after the fever onset.

Coughing, runny noses, and eye redness are also indicative of measles.

If symptoms arise, it is crucial for individuals to stay home and contact Health Link at 811 prior to seeking medical care to minimize potential spread within healthcare facilities.

Dr. Mark Joffe, Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health, emphasized the seriousness of measles, advocating for vaccination as a preventive measure.

“No one should have to endure the consequences of a disease we can prevent,” he stated firmly.

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange informed the legislature that the increase in cases can largely be attributed to 'vaccine hesitancy.'

She reiterated the government's position on promoting measles vaccinations, stating, 'It is well proven after many decades,' as vital for public health.

On the political front, NDP health critic Sarah Hoffman criticized Premier Danielle Smith's government for contributing to vaccine hesitancy.

Hoffman pointed out that the government's past reluctance to clearly support seasonal vaccinations and its move towards allowing the right to refuse vaccines in Alberta's bill of rights have fueled uncertainty among the public.

This situation underscores the urgency of vaccination as a tool to combat outbreaks.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has clearly stated that measles can lead to severe complications, including brain inflammation and even deafness, and every effort must be made to protect community health as the situation develops.

Stay informed, watch for symptoms, and consider vaccination to protect both yourself and those around you.