Potential measles exposures in Banff

Alberta Health Services has issued a public alert to potential measles exposures in Banff after confirming one person who had the disease was in the area last month while infectious.

Those who were in the OK Gift Shop at 209 Banff Ave. on May 25 and May 26 after 1:45 p.m. may have been exposed to measles.

Those who were at IGA, located at 318 Marten St., on May 30 between 5 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. may have also been exposed.

Those born after 1970 and who have not already had measles, or haven’t received two doses of measles vaccine and were in those locations within those time frames could be at risk of developing measles, according to AHS.

Those potentially affected are urged to watch for symptoms, such as a fever of 38.3 C or higher, a cough, runny nose or red eyes, and a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after the fever starts. Such a rash could begin behind the ears and on the face, spreading down to the body and then to the arms or legs.

If these symptoms develop, AHS advises to stay home and call HealthLink at 811 before visiting a health-care facility or provider.

AHS said it would also follow up directly with identified people who were potentially exposed to this case in other settings.

Measles, an extremely contagious disease, spreads easily through the air. There is no treatment, however, it can be prevented through immunization.

The measles vaccine is offered for free through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program. Children in the province typically receive their first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months of age, and their second dose between the ages of four and six years. Those unsure of their immunization history can call their local public health office or HealthLink at 811.