Measles Exposure at St. Francis Junior High School and General Measles Information
June 3, 2025
To: Blood Tribe Department of Health
Subject: Measles Exposure at St. Francis Junior High School and General Measles Information
Current Status:
- We were made aware of a measles exposure at St. Francis Junior High School in Lethbridge on Friday, May 23, Monday, May 26 and Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
- At this time, there are no confirmed measles cases in Blood Tribe.
- Overall, measles risk is widespread throughout southern Alberta.
Key Messaging:
- Stay home if you are symptomatic (fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes, rash) and call the Blood Tribe Department of Health Community Health line (403-737-3933) or the Alberta Measles Hotline (1-844-944-3434) before seeking medical care.
- Measles is airborne and very contagious. Measles is communicable for up to three weeks. Those who attended this school at any point on May 23, 26 or 27 should monitor for symptoms until end of day Tuesday, June 17.
- If you have questions about measles or wish to review your vaccine history, you can call the Blood Tribe Department of Health Community Health line (403-737-3933), or the new Alberta Measles Hotline (1-844-944-3434).
- Vaccination is your best protection against measles. People born in 1970 or later should have two doses of measles vaccine.
- At this time, those who live, work or travel to South Zone are also currently eligible for additional immunizations:
- Infants who are 6 months up to and including 11 months of age are recommended to receive an early dose of vaccine. However, they should still receive their routine two doses after they reach one year of age.
- If you were born before 1970 and have not been immunized, talk to your healthcare provider about possibly receiving a single booster dose of measles vaccine.
What can you do to stay healthy?
- Children and adults are the most protected when they are up-to-date on their immunizations.
- Stay home when sick, and use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes. Put used tissues into the garbage and clean hands. If tissues are unavailable, coughing or sneezing into your elbow can reduce spread of germs.
- Clean hands often. Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Masks can be worn as a short-term option to help cover coughs and reduce transmission, but people who are sick should stay home to prevent spreading sickness to others.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chris Sarin
Senior Medical Officer of Health
Indigenous Services Canada, Alberta Region