Potential Measles Exposure at Calgary International Airport

The Calgary International Airport has issued a critical alert following a possible exposure to measles in the U.S. departures area. This alarming situation unfolded on May 19, linked to a WestJet/Delta flight to Salt Lake City, with a significant exposure window between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Who’s at Risk?

Alberta Health Services (AHS) warns that individuals born in 1970 or later who have received one or no doses of the measles vaccine are at heightened risk. Symptoms to watch for include cough, runny nose, red eyes, high fever above 38.3°C, and a distinctive rash that starts behind the ears and progresses down the body.

Alberta Faces Measles Crisis – The Worst Since 1986!

This year is shaping up to be Alberta’s most severe measles outbreak since 1986, which saw an alarming 843 cases. AHS has reported a staggering 749 cases this year alone, with a surge of 25 new cases reported in just one day. Out of these, 18 cases are currently communicable.

Majority of Cases Among Children

The outbreak disproportionately affects children, with 352 cases in the 5 to 17 age range and another 217 cases in those under five. The South zone of Alberta is particularly hard hit, accounting for 549 cases, while the Central health zone reports 103 cases. Most of the recent spike—16 new cases—are based in the South zone.

Standing Advisory Issued Amid Rising Infections

A standing measles advisory has now been activated for the South region due to the difficulty in tracking the sources of these infections. Alarmingly, as of now, two individuals are hospitalized, one in ICU. Since the start of the year, 50 people have required hospitalization due to measles-related complications, and nine have been admitted to the ICU.

Health Officials Brace for Summer Spread

Public health officials are sounding the alarm that measles is poised to spread further this summer. Infectious disease expert Craig Jenne remarked, "Once community-level transmission was established, it became evident that controlling this outbreak would be a formidable challenge, and we expect to see a sharp increase in cases."