The Exposure
Alberta Health issued a public alert on March 13 after a confirmed measles exposure at the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre (westside location) at 10507-98 Avenue. Anyone present on March 10 between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. may have been exposed.
Those at risk are people born in or after 1970 who have fewer than two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or who have never had measles.
Symptoms to Watch For
Measles does not show up immediately symptoms typically develop 7 to 14 days after exposure. Watch for a fever of 38.3°C or higher, accompanied by cough, runny nose, or red eyes. A rash usually follows 3 to 7 days after the fever begins, starting behind the ears and on the face before spreading down the body and out to the limbs.
On lighter skin the rash appears red and blotchy. On darker skin tones it may look purple, darker than the surrounding skin, or be difficult to see altogether.
What To Do
Do not go directly to a clinic, hospital, or pharmacy if symptoms develop. Measles spreads easily through the air and walking into a waiting room puts others at risk. Stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before seeking any care.
If you were exposed and are unvaccinated, a vaccine given within 72 hours of exposure can still prevent infection. Babies under one year, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may qualify for immunoglobulin within six days of exposure call the hotline for guidance specific to your situation.
Check Your Immunization Records
Albertans unsure of their vaccine history can call the measles hotline, check their records through My Health Record (available to those 14 and older), or text "Measles" to 88111 for information sent to their phone. The measles vaccine is free in Alberta through the publicly funded immunization program.
Source: Government of Alberta — Public Alert for Measles Exposure, March 13, 2026
