Alberta Health Services is warning residents of Foremost and Lethbridge of a possible exposure to measles. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)Alberta Health Services is warning residents of Foremost and Lethbridge of a possible exposure to measles. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Measles case confirmed in Foremost area, possible exposure in Lethbridge

Apr 3, 2025 | 8:39 AM

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is advising the public of another confirmed case of measles in southern Alberta.

They say the person is from the Foremost area and was infectious in public settings in Lethbridge.

People who were in the following locations during the specified times may have been exposed to the virus:

March 28, 2025

• Costco Wholesale
  • 3200 Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge AB
  • Exposure time period: Approx. 4:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
• Real Canadian Superstore
  • 3515 Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge AB
  • Exposure time period: Approx. 5:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
• Boston Pizza – Lethbridge South
  • 2041 Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge AB
  • Exposure time period: Approx. 6:45 p.m. – 10 p.m.

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AHS provided the following information and public health advice:

Anyone who attended these locations at these times who was born in or after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, is at risk for developing measles and is strongly encouraged to review their immunization records and monitor themselves for symptoms of measles.

Measles is an extremely contagious disease and is spread easily through the air.

Symptoms of Measles include:

• Fever of 38.3° C or higher; and
• Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and
• A rash that appears 3 to 7 days after fever starts, usually beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs. The rash appears red and blotchy on lighter skin colours. On darker skin colours, it can appear purple or darker than the skin around it, or it might be hard to see.

If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy.

Measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications. People born in or since 1970 who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine are susceptible to infection. Those who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine AND are pregnant, under one year of age, are adults and/or have a weakened immune system are at most risk of complications from measles, should contact Health Link at 811 promptly if exposed to measles as they may be eligible for vaccine or immune globulin to reduce the risk of developing measles.

In Alberta, measles vaccine is offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program. Children in Alberta typically receive their first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months of age, and their second dose at 18 months of age.

Albertans uncertain of their immunization history, or their child’s immunization history, can text ‘vaccine record’ to 88111, call Health Link at 811 or your local public health or community health centre. Individuals who are 14 years of age and older can check their My Health Record account immunization record.

To check eligibility and/or to book an immunization, call the Immunization Booking Line at 811 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. if you live in the Calgary or Edmonton Zone. If you live in another zone in Alberta, contact your local public health or community health centre.

Albertans can also text ‘Measles’ to 88111 to get measles health information texted to your mobile device.

For further information on routine childhood immunization, visit ahs.ca/immunization .

You can also learn more from MyHealthAlberta about the risks of measles here and find frequently asked questions here. For the latest on measles exposures in Alberta visit ahs.ca/measles.

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