A blue background with a text box that says Health & Safety Update, with an image in a circle to the right side of a mother holding a baby with measles on their back.

Measles Outbreak Alert: What You Need to Know

Union Updates

There are currently multiple measles outbreaks across the province. At this time, cases remain limited to household contacts, but community transmission may occur.

HSAA encourages members to confirm that they have completed their employer’s Communicable Disease Assessment process, which is usually completed shortly after hire. This helps ensure your employer is aware of your immunity status — and helps you avoid unnecessary work restrictions.

If you are exposed at work:

  • If immune: ✅ You can continue to work.
  • If immunity is unknown: 🧪 You may be assessed and sent for lab testing
  • If not immune & exposed without PPE: ⛔ You will be restricted from work from day 5 to day 21 after exposure. Post-exposure prophylaxis may be offered, but restrictions still apply.

Access to paid leave or sick bank benefits in these situations is not guaranteed. An employer’s ability to restrict non-immune workers during outbreaks remains an evolving area of labour law, particularly with recent legislative changes and legal precedents set during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you have been removed from work, you can contact your Labour Relations Officer with any questions/concerns.
 

Measles is highly contagious. Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, yells, or even breathes. The virus can linger in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person has left the area.

Watch for symptoms:

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red eyes
  • A blotchy red rash (typically appears 3-7 days after fever, starting behind the ears and spreading to the body)

Immunity matters:

You are considered immuned if you have:

  • 2 documented dose of measles-containing vaccined (e.g., MMR), OR
  • Lab-confirmed measels infection, OR
  • A blood test proving immunirty (may not be available)

If you received your childhood immunizations in Alberta, you will likely be able to confirm your immunization status by visiting the link below.

PPE reminder:

If you care for patients with airborne illnesses, your employer must ensure you are fit-tested for an N95 respirator (every 2 years or with significant weight change).

Stay safe, confirm your records, and check out the links below for more information.

Links:

  1. Latest information on measles outbreaks in Alberta
  2. Sign up for and access your immunization records
  3. Employer Fact Sheet on Measles (AHS document but used by other employers)