TWO HILLS – There are two confirmed cases of measles in Two Hills according to Alberta Health Services (AHS), and people who were in the emergency room of the Vegreville Hospital on the evening of March 22 or the Two Hills Hospital the afternoon of March 24 should monitor themselves for symptoms until April 17.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes a fever, cough, and runny nose, followed by a red blotchy rash three to seven days after the start of the fever. People with measles are contagious for several days before symptoms start, and the virus remains airborne for several hours after a contagious person has left.
According to Health Canada, 90 per cent or more of non-immune people who come in contact with measles can become infected.
The most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is through vaccination, which is provided free of charge to all Albertans. Measles vaccine is typically given as a routine injection at 12 months and again at 18 months.
According to the Interactive Health Data Application, in Two Hills just 24 per cent of children born in 2021 received two doses of the MMR vaccine. In Vegreville, 55 per cent of the 2021 cohort received two doses of vaccine. Provincially, 69 per cent of children born in 2021 received two doses. Approximately 95 per cent of people need to have immunity in order to effectively prevent the spread of measles.
