A new measles alert has been issued for two Calgary hospital emergency departments after Alberta health officials warned that some visitors may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. The public alert applies to specific times at Foothills Medical Centre Emergency Department and Alberta Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, both located in Calgary.
According to the Government of Alberta advisory, anyone who visited the listed locations during the exposure windows and is not fully protected against measles should monitor for symptoms and review their immunization records. The alert is especially important for people born in or after 1970 who have fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine or who have never had measles disease.
Where and When the Measles Exposure Happened
The first exposure location listed in the measles alert is Foothills Medical Centre Emergency Department, located at 1403 29 Street NW in Calgary. The exposure period was May 21, 2026, from 2:29 a.m. to 5:37 a.m. MST.
The second location is Alberta Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, located at 28 Oki Drive NW in Calgary. The exposure periods were May 21, 2026, from 3:43 a.m. to 12:34 p.m. MST, and May 22, 2026, from 5:32 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. MST.
These alerts do not mean every person at the hospitals will become sick. However, measles spreads easily through the air, which is why public health officials issue exposure notices when a confirmed case may have been present in a public or health-care setting.
Who May Be at Risk?
Health officials say the people most at risk are those who were at the listed locations during the exposure times and are not fully immunized. This includes people born in or after 1970 who have fewer than two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine or who have never had measles before.
The alert also matters for parents, caregivers, pregnant people, babies under one year of age, and people with weakened immune systems. Alberta’s advisory says some people in higher-risk groups may be eligible for immunoglobulin within six days of exposure, while measles vaccine may help prevent infection if given within 72 hours of exposure.
Symptoms People Should Watch For
Measles symptoms can begin with a fever of 38.3 C or higher, followed by cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash. The rash usually appears three to seven days after the fever starts, often beginning behind the ears and on the face before spreading down the body, arms, and legs.
On lighter skin, the rash may appear red and blotchy. On darker skin, it may appear purple or darker than the surrounding skin, or it may be harder to see. That detail is important because measles symptoms may not look the same on every person.
What To Do If Symptoms Develop
Anyone who may have been exposed and develops symptoms should stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting a doctor’s office, pharmacy, clinic, or hospital. Alberta Health Services also advises people who think they have measles or were exposed to call the hotline before entering an AHS facility so staff can reduce the risk of further exposure.
This step is important because measles can spread in waiting rooms, emergency departments, and other shared indoor spaces. Calling ahead allows health-care staff to prepare proper infection-control measures while still helping the patient get care.
Vaccination Remains the Main Protection
The Alberta advisory states that the measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications. In Alberta, the vaccine is available free through the publicly funded immunization program, with the recommended schedule calling for two doses: the first at one year of age and the second at 18 months.
People who are unsure about their vaccination history can call the measles hotline to check eligibility or book an appointment. Albertans aged 14 and older can also check immunization records through My Health Record, according to the advisory.
Why the Calgary Measles Alert Matters
The measles alert is significant because both exposure sites are emergency departments, where vulnerable people may already be seeking urgent care. Hospitals serve infants, older adults, pregnant patients, immunocompromised individuals, and people with serious health conditions. A possible measles exposure in such settings requires quick public communication.
The alert also comes after multiple measles advisories were listed in Alberta in 2026, including several in the Calgary Zone. Alberta’s public health advisories page lists a May 25 alert for Foothills Medical Centre and Alberta Children’s Hospital, as well as earlier Calgary Zone advisories involving other health-care and public locations.
Public Health Message for Calgary Residents
For Calgary residents, the main message is to avoid panic but take the warning seriously. Anyone who was at the listed emergency departments during the exposure times should check their vaccination records, monitor for symptoms, and call the measles hotline if they are unsure about risk.
People should also avoid walking into a health-care facility if they develop symptoms after possible exposure. Calling ahead helps protect other patients, health-care workers, and the wider community.
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