Alberta Health Services has confirmed a case of measles in Taber. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By David Opinko

Prevent the spread

Confirmed case of measles in Taber

Mar 19, 2025 | 9:19 AM

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is notifying the public of a recently confirmed case of measles in the community.

They say a visitor traveled from Toronto to Taber on March 8, 2025, and was in public settings in the community while infectious.

AHS warns that people who were in the following locations during the specified times may have been exposed to the virus:

• March 8, 2025
  • Flair Airlines Flight No. F8629
  • From Toronto Pearson International Airport to Calgary International Airport
  • Exposure time period: 9:12 p.m. (EST) – 11:57 p.m. (MST), 4 hours 45 minutes
• March 8 – 9, 2025
  • Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Budget Car and Truck Rental Calgary International Airport
  • 2000 Airport Rd NE, Calgary
  • Exposure time period: 11:55 p.m., March 8, 2025 – 2 a.m., March 9, 2025
• March 11, 2025
  • Taber Health Centre Emergency Department
  • 4326 50 Ave, Taber
  • Exposure time period: Approx. 5:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
• March 11, 2025
  • Taber Shoppers Drug Mart
  • 5800 46 Ave, Taber
  • Exposure time period: Approx. 6:15 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• March 12 – 13, 2025
  • Taber Health Centre Emergency Department
  • 4326 50 Ave, Taber
  • Exposure time period: Approx. 10:15 p.m., March 12, 2025 – 10:50 a.m., March 13, 2025

“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,” reads a statement from AHS.

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They say measles is extremely contagious and is spread easily through the air.

Common symptoms of measles include:

• Fever of 38.3 C or higher; and
• Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and
• A red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down the body and then to the arms and legs.

“Our provincial government needs to take this seriously, with urgent action and a plan to reduce the spread and impact of measles on Albertans and our public health care system,” said Chris Gallaway, executive director of Friends of Medicare. “What we need right now is widespread public education about the disease as well as a public health campaign to stress the importance of being vaccinated to prevent measles infection.”

AHS offered the following public health information:

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 office. Albertans can also text ‘Measles’ to 88111 to get measles health information texted to your mobile device. However, anyone who is not up to date for their recommended vaccines can receive them by booking an appointment with your local public health office.

“Measles is a horrible and totally preventable disease. It’s time for our government to get to work. Alberta urgently needs our Health Minister to speak boldly about the importance of vaccination and to roll-out a public health strategy to make it as easy as possible for Albertans and their children to get fully immunized,” Gallaway added. “Unfortunately, a concerning disregard for the importance of vaccines appears to have become par for the course with our current government.”

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

For additional information on measles disease, please visit www.ahs.ca/measles.

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