Alberta Health Services has confirmed new cases of measles in southern Alberta. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By David Opinko

AHS confirms new measles cases in South Zone

May 22, 2025 | 11:18 AM

The public is being advised of new cases of measles in southern Alberta.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) says the infected people were in public spaces at the following locations in Lethbridge, Taber, Raymond, and Blairmore at the noted times:

• Walmart (North Lethbridge)
  • 3055 26 Ave. N, Lethbridge
  • May 3: Exposure time: Approx. 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • May 6: Exposure time: Approx. 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Walmart (Taber)
  • 4500 64 St., Taber
  • May 6: Exposure time: Approx. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • May 15: Exposure time: Approx. 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Taber Clinic
  • 4900 44 St., Taber
  • May 9: Exposure time: Approx. 2:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
• Raymond Health Centre
  • 150 N 4 St. E, Raymond
  • Emergency Department
  • May 11: Exposure time: Approx. 12:35 p.m. – 3:35 p.m.
• Walmart (South Lethbridge)
  • 3700 Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
  • May 12: Exposure time: Approx. 3 p.m. – 12:15 a.m. (May 13)
  • May 13: Exposure time: Approx. 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • May 16: Exposure time: Approx. 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Real Canadian Superstore
  • 3515 Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
  • May 13: 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Crowsnest Pass Health Centre
  • 2001 107 St., Blairmore
  • Outpatient Lab
    • May 14: Exposure time: Approx. 11:30 a.m. – 1 :45 p.m.
    • May 16: Exposure time: Approx. 11:10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Diagnostic Imaging
    • May 16: Exposure time: Approx. 10 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
• Taber Health Centre
  • 4326 50 Ave., Taber
  • Emergency Department
  • May 5: Exposure time: Approx. 8:50 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
  • May 15: Exposure time: Approx. 7:25 p.m. – 3:55 a.m. (May 16)

AHS provided the following public health advice:

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.

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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

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