A measles outbreak has popped up in the Lethbridge area, with 28 cases confirmed as of November 14.  This is the first outbreak in southern Alberta since 2006.  It has been confirmed that areas with the lowest rate of immunization have seen the most cases.

All current cases are people who were not previously immunized.

Dr. Vivien Suttorp, lead medical officer of Heal for Alberta Health Services, explained that this was not an unexpected number.

Anyone diagnosed with measles has been asked to stay quarantined and remain at home.

Alberta Health was aware of the presence of measles early on and began offering immunization clinics in the end August.

Knowing that many of the areas surrounding Lethbridge have such a large unvaccinated population, it is where Alberta Health has focused most of their resources.

“Our targeted approach is because there are only so many resources, is to focus on children in the higher risk communities.” Said Suttorp.

Being such a contagious disease, Suttorp has encouraged sports teams across Alberta to make sure they have had proper vaccinations. She also noted that it is not uncommon for an illness spike during the Christmas season, with people travelling to family and students heading home during semester break.

“The good thing is that we haven’t seen that exponential increase in cases.” Said Suttorp, in regards to spread of the disease.

Alberta Health has made no travel advisories for the Christmas season, and asks that people monitor their symptoms by calling the hotline that has been made available if they have any inquiries.