While Alberta Health Services has officially declared a measles outbreak for central parts of the province, the Bow Valley, and Banff specifically, only has one case of potential exposure to the virus.
Individuals who were at Castello Ristorante at the Banff Springs Hotel on April 14 between 8 and 11:30 p.m. may have been exposed, according to AHS.
Other potential exposure locations across the province are listed on the AHS website. Anyone who may have been exposed is advised to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles. If symptoms occur, they are asked to stay at home and call Health Link Alberta (1-866-408-5465) before going to see a doctor.
Symptoms include a fever of 38.3 C or higher, cough, runny nose and/or red eyes and a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after the fever begins, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down the body and then to the arms and legs.
AHS warns measles is extremely contagious and easily spread through the air. There is no treatment, however, it can be prevented through immunization. Immunization in Alberta is offered for free and children typically receive their first dose of the vaccine at 12 months and a second between the ages of four and six.
For additional information on measles disease, please visit http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/9842.asp.
