Alberta Health Services is advising the public of possible exposures to measles. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By David Opinko

More measles cases confirmed in southern Alberta communities

May 21, 2025 | 8:42 AM

Alberta Health Services (AHS) advises the public of newly confirmed measles cases in the South Zone.

They say the infected people were in public places in Lethbridge, Pincher Creek, Medicine Hat and Blairmore while infectious.

Anyone who was in the locations listed below at the noted times may have been exposed:

• Lethbridge Public Health
  • Melcor Centre
  • 200 4 Ave. S, Lethbridge
  • May 9: Exposure time: Approx. 8:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• The Hut Cafe
  • 766 Main St., Pincher Creek
  • May 11: Exposure time: Approx. 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• No Frills
  • 819 Main St., Pincher Creek
  • May 11: Exposure time: Approx. 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Walmart
  • 1100 Table Mountain St., Pincher Creek
  • May 11: Exposure time: Approx. 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Medicine Hat Regional Hospital
  • Emergency Department
  • May 12: Exposure time: Approx. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • May 13: Exposure time: Approx. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Crowsnest Medical Clinic
  • 11001 20 Ave. #1, Blairmore
  • May 13: Exposure time: Approx. 3:25 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Side Street Stylz
  • 12305 20 Ave., Blairmore
  • May 13: Exposure time: Approx. 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Resilience Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
  • #102, 640 Kingsway Ave SE Medicine Hat
  • May 14: Exposure time: Approx. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Boston Pizza
  • #500, 1751 Strachan Rd. SE, Medicine Hat
  • May 14: Exposure time: Approx. 7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
• Shoppers Drug Mart
  • 2045 Mayor Magrath Dr. S #102, Lethbridge
  • May 16: Exposure time: Approx. 6:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.

AHS provided the following public health advice:

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

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

Measles is an extremely contagious disease and the virus spreads 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.

Complications of measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, premature delivery, and rarely death. Persons who are pregnant, less than 5 years of age, or have weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.

If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy.

Measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications. In Alberta, measles vaccine is offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program. The recommended schedule for measles immunization is two doses, the first at one year of age and the second at 18 months.

However, with measles currently circulating in South Zone, those who live, work or travel to the area are also currently eligible for additional immunizations:

• Infants who are 6 months up to and including 11 months of age are recommended to receive an early dose of vaccine. However, they should still receive their routine two doses after they reach one year of age.
• If you were born before 1970 and have not been immunized, talk to your healthcare provider about possibly receiving a single dose of measles vaccine.

If you think you have been exposed, and you are not protected against measles you may be able to receive immunization to reduce the risk of infection. A dose of vaccine needs to be given within 72 hours of exposure to prevent measles. Babies under 1 year of age, people with severely weakened immune systems, and those who are pregnant may be able to receive immunoglobulin within 6 days of exposure to prevent disease. Call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 for more information if these situations apply to you or your family.

Albertans uncertain of their immunization history, or their child’s immunization history, can check eligibility and/or book an appointment by calling the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434.

Individuals who are 14 years of age and older can check their My Health Record.

The measles hotline connects you to a professional who can assist with accessing your immunization records or offer general information; provide advice for those experiencing measles symptoms and are feeling unwell; and assist with booking measles immunization appointments or locating a public health clinic offering immunization in your area.

You 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 information on measles in Alberta, visit ahs.ca/measles

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.