Residents who were at a Sherwood Park hospital earlier this month are being advised to monitor for symptoms following a confirmed measles exposure.
Alberta Health Services has issued a public alert for individuals who were present at the Strathcona Community Hospital Emergency Waiting Room (9000 Emerald Drive, Sherwood Park) on:
February 16, 2026
1:40 p.m. – 4 p.m. (MST)
Anyone who attended the location during that time and was born in or after 1970 — and who has received fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine or has never had measles — may be at risk.
What to watch for
Measles is an extremely contagious disease that spreads easily through the air.
Symptoms may include:
- Fever of 38.3 C or higher
- Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes
- A rash appearing three to seven days after fever begins
The rash typically starts behind the ears and on the face before spreading down the body. On lighter skin tones, it appears red and blotchy. On darker skin tones, it may appear purple, darker than surrounding skin, or may be harder to see.
What to do
Anyone who develops symptoms is advised to stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting any healthcare facility, including a family doctor’s office or pharmacy.
The measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications. In Alberta, it is offered free of charge through the province’s publicly funded immunization program. The recommended schedule includes two doses — the first at one year of age and the second at 18 months.
Albertans who are unsure of their immunization status can:
- Call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434
- Text “Measles” to 88111
- Access their immunization history through My Health Record (for individuals 14 and older)
More information is available at alberta.ca/measles.
