Alberta Health Services Sounds the Alarm!

In a shocking public health announcement, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is urging residents of Taber, Whitecourt, and Grimshaw to be vigilant due to possible measles exposures. This warning comes amid a serious outbreak of the virus that has already seen over 326 confirmed cases in the province since March.

Confirmed Cases and Public Exposure Alerts

AHS has identified instances where individuals with confirmed measles were present in crowded public spaces, raising alarm bells for those who might have crossed paths with them. Specific locations and dates of potential exposure have been released.

Where and When Were the Risks?

- **Taber**: If you shopped at No Frills on Barton Drive on May 3 between noon and 6 p.m., your risk of exposure could be serious. - **Whitecourt**: Those who attended the Wildrose Carnival on May 2 between 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., or visited the IGA on 51st Street between noon and 2:45 p.m. should be on alert. - **Grimshaw**: A potential exposure at the Grimshaw Chiropractic Care Centre was reported on May 6 from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Know the Symptoms!

AHS urges anyone who frequented these locations during the specified times to be vigilant for measles symptoms, which may include: - Fever (38.3°C or higher) - Cough - Runny nose - Red eyes - A rash that typically appears 3 to 7 days after the fever begins, often starting behind the ears and spreading across the face and body.

Vaccination Status Matters!

Particularly vulnerable are individuals born before 1970, or those who have not received two documented doses of the measles vaccine. It's crucial to verify your vaccination history and take preventive measures.

A Reminder of the Risks

While no fatalities have been reported in Alberta so far, health experts caution that the risk is real—1 to 3 individuals out of every 1,000 diagnosed cases may not survive the disease. The time to act is now!