Measles Exposure Possible at Albuquerque Restaurant: Health Alert Issued

Measles Alert Issued in Alberta: Public Urged to Verify Immunization Status and Seek Guidance

Edmonton, AB – Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a public health advisory regarding the circulation of measles in the Central Zone, urging residents to take immediate steps to protect themselves and their communities. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause serious health complications, though fatalities are rare.

Individuals at the highest risk include pregnant peopel, children under five years of age, and those with weakened immune systems.

What to Do If You Suspect Measles:

If you develop symptoms suggestive of measles,it is indeed crucial to stay home and call the dedicated measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before seeking any in-person healthcare. This includes visiting family physician clinics or pharmacies.

Effective Prevention: The Measles Vaccine

The measles vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection and its associated complications. Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program offers the measles vaccine free of charge.The standard immunization schedule consists of two doses, administered at one year of age and again at 18 months.

Special Eligibility for Additional Immunization:

Given the current measles activity, specific groups are eligible for additional doses:

Infants aged 6 to 11 months: Recommended to receive an early dose. They will still require their routine two doses after reaching one year of age.
Individuals born before 1970: If you were born before 1970 and have not been immunized, consult your healthcare provider about receiving a single dose of the measles vaccine.

Post-Exposure Protection:

For individuals who believe they may have been exposed to measles and are not protected, timely immunization can significantly reduce the risk of infection. A dose of vaccine administered within 72 hours of exposure can prevent measles.

Furthermore,certain high-risk groups may be eligible for immunoglobulin within 6 days of exposure to prevent the disease. This includes:

Infants under one year of age
Individuals with severely weakened immune systems
Pregnant people

Accessing Immunization Information and Appointments:

Albertans unsure about their or their child’s immunization history can confirm eligibility and book appointments by calling the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434.

Individuals aged 14 and older can also access their immunization records through My Health Record at myhealth.alberta.ca.

The measles hotline provides assistance with accessing immunization records, offers general information, provides guidance for those experiencing measles symptoms, and helps with booking immunization appointments or locating public health clinics.

Additional Resources:

For general measles health information, text ‘Measles’ to 88111.
Information on routine childhood immunization is available at ahs.ca/immunization. Learn more about the risks of measles and find frequently asked questions on MyHealthAlberta.
* For the latest updates on measles in Alberta, visit ahs.ca/measles.

What steps should individuals who were at the restaurant during the exposure dates take to determine their risk and potential next steps?

Potential Measles Exposure Details

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has issued a public health alert regarding potential measles exposure at a restaurant in Albuquerque. individuals who were present at[RestaurantName-[RestaurantName-replace with actual restaurant name]located at[RestaurantAddress-[RestaurantAddress-replace with actual address]on[Date(s)ofExposure-[Date(s)ofExposure-replace with actual dates]may have been exposed to the highly contagious measles virus.This alert underscores the importance of measles vaccination and awareness of measles symptoms.

Who is at Risk?

Anyone who is not immune to measles is potentially at risk. This includes:

individuals who have never received the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella).

Those who have only received one dose of the MMR vaccine. (Two doses are recommended for full immunity.)

People born after 1957 who do not have documented proof of immunity (either through vaccination or previous measles infection).

Individuals with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions or treatments.

Infants too young to be vaccinated (typically under 12 months).

Understanding Measles: Symptoms and Transmission

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear 7-21 days after exposure and may include:

High fever (often reaching 104°F or higher)

Cough

Runny nose

Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots) – a hallmark sign of measles

A rash that spreads from the head to the body.

The rash typically appears 3-5 days after initial symptoms. Measles complications can be severe, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. Early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial. Measles outbreaks are a serious concern, notably in communities with low vaccination rates.

What to Do If You Think You Were Exposed

If you were at the identified restaurant during the dates of potential exposure and are unsure of your immunity status, the NMDOH recommends the following:

1. Check your Vaccination Records: Locate your immunization records to determine if you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine.
2. Contact Your Healthcare Provider: If you are unsure of your vaccination status or develop any measles-like symptoms, contact your doctor instantly. Do not go to the emergency room or doctor’s office without calling first to inform them of your potential exposure. This allows them to take precautions to prevent further spread.
3. Self-Monitor for Symptoms: Monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days after potential exposure.
4. isolation: If you develop symptoms, isolate yourself from others to prevent transmission.

The Importance of MMR Vaccination

The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. two doses provide approximately 97% protection. Vaccination is the best defence against this potentially serious disease.

MMR Vaccine Schedule: The CDC recommends children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12-15 months of age and the second dose between 4-6 years of age.

Adult Vaccination: Adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their immunity should consult with their healthcare provider about receiving the MMR vaccine.

Vaccine Safety: The MMR vaccine is safe and has been extensively studied. Serious side effects are rare.

Recent Measles Trends & Outbreaks

Nationally, the U.S. has seen a concerning increase in measles cases in recent years, largely attributed to decreased vaccination rates and international travel. The CDC reports[InsertcurrentCDCmeaslescasenumbersasof2025-07-20-[InsertcurrentCDCmeaslescasenumbersasof2025-07-20-replace with actual data]. This highlights the ongoing risk of measles resurgence and the critical need for maintaining high vaccination coverage. Similar outbreaks have been reported in[mentionotherrecentoutbreaklocationsifrelevant-[mentionotherrecentoutbreaklocationsifrelevant-replace with actual data], emphasizing the global nature of this threat.

Resources for More Data

New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH): [Insert NMDOH website link]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Measles: [insert CDC measles page link]

World Health Organization (WHO) – Measles: [Insert WHO measles page link]

Immunization Action Coalition: [Insert IAC website link]