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By Josh Hall

case came through march 1

Measles exposure at Wetaskiwin Hospital, province shares

Mar 5, 2026 | 7:41 PM

The Alberta Government shared Thursday that there has been a case of measles that went through the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre.

They say various locations of the hospital are part of the exposure.

Per the alert:

Exposure time periods and specific locations:

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“Anyone who attended these locations during these time periods, who was born in or after 1970 and has fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine or has never had measles disease, may be at risk for developing measles and may be asked to take additional precautions if presenting to a health care facility. They should monitor for symptoms of measles and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records.”

As of March 5, there have been 118 cases of measles confirmed in 2026, including 14 in Central Zone. There is just one case in the zone listed as currently communicable, and six total across the province — that includes four in Edmonton Zone.

Information about measles

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
• cough, runny nose and/or red eyes
• A rash that appears three to seven 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 the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting any health care 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. 

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 one year of age, people with severely weakened immune systems, and those who are pregnant may be able to receive immunoglobulin within six 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, 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 also check their immunization history using My Health Records. You can also text ‘Measles’ to 88111 to get measles health information texted to your mobile device.

For the latest information on measles in Alberta, visit alberta.ca/measles.