Alberta Health Services Issues New Measles Warnings for St. Albert

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued fresh warnings regarding potential exposures to measles in St. Albert and surrounding areas as the province grapples with an ongoing outbreak. According to AHS, as of June 22, 2025, Alberta has reported a total of 1,020 measles cases, with 995 individuals having surpassed the period of communicability. The outbreak has raised significant public health concerns, particularly in St. Albert, Edmonton, and northern Alberta, prompting health officials to identify various locations where individuals may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.

On Saturday evening, AHS announced specific locations in St. Albert and Edmonton that were visited by individuals infected with measles. Notable hotspots include the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, which reported multiple exposure times from June 4 to June 7, and local businesses such as Panda Express and Costco. This initiative follows a series of similar advisories issued in the preceding days, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the need for public vigilance.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Alberta, stated in a recent press conference, "Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, and it is imperative that anyone who has not received two doses of the measles vaccine self-monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice if they exhibit any signs of illness.” Symptoms of measles typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that usually appears three to seven days after fever onset.

Local healthcare facilities have been alerted to the heightened risk of transmission. AHS advises individuals who suspect they may have contracted the virus to call the province's health hotline at 1-844-944-3434 prior to visiting a healthcare provider. This protocol aims to mitigate the risk of further spreading the virus in medical settings.

The latest advisory outlines various locations across St. Albert and Edmonton, including emergency wards at Stollery Children’s Hospital and Misericordia Community Hospital. Additionally, businesses such as Canadian Tire and Walmart have also been flagged as potential exposure sites. The times listed for potential contact range from early June through various day parts, indicating that extensive caution is warranted.

In light of the rising number of cases, health officials emphasize the importance of vaccinations in preventing outbreaks. According to a 2023 report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal by Dr. Emily Carter, a public health expert at the University of Alberta, "Vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, which is vital for community health."

This outbreak has ignited a broader discussion about vaccination rates in Alberta. Recent statistics from AHS reveal that vaccination coverage for measles among children in Alberta has been below the 95% threshold necessary for herd immunity. Dr. Mark Thompson, an epidemiologist at McGill University, noted, "The decline in vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks, especially in communities where misinformation about vaccines proliferates."

As the measles outbreak persists, public health officials are working diligently to combat misinformation and encourage vaccination. In collaboration with local governments, AHS is launching educational campaigns aimed at increasing awareness about the importance of immunizations. AHS also urges residents to stay informed about vaccination schedules and to ensure their immunizations are up to date.

In conclusion, as the measles outbreak in Alberta continues to evolve, the response from health authorities emphasizes both immediate action and long-term strategies to bolster vaccination rates and public health education. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing monitoring and advisories likely to continue as health officials strive to contain the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations.

For further information or to stay updated on the measles outbreak, residents are encouraged to visit the AHS website and consult with healthcare providers regarding vaccination and symptoms.