Here’s a rewritten version of the article, focusing on clarity and conciseness while retaining all the key information:
Alberta Cancer Facilities Implement Visitor Limits Amidst Soaring Measles Cases
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is temporarily restricting the number of visitors in its cancer facilities due to a important measles outbreak across the province. The measure aims to protect vulnerable cancer patients,many of whom have weakened immune systems,from potential exposure.
Effective immediately, inpatient and outpatient services at Calgary’s Arthur J.E. Child Cancer Centre,Edmonton’s Cross Cancer Institute,the Jack Ady Cancer Centre in Lethbridge,and the Grande Prairie Cancer Centre will be limited to two visitors per patient. This guideline is intended for staff to implement as needed.AHS stated that the visitor limit is designed to safeguard hospitalized patients during the outbreak while still allowing for family-centered care. Measles poses a heightened risk to individuals who are pregnant,under five years old,or immunocompromised,categories that often include cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Exceptions to the visitor limit will be made for patients admitted to pediatric and adult hospitals who have confirmed or suspected measles. Additionally,visitors will be permitted in specific units such as neonatal intensive care units (NICU),pediatric intensive care units (PICU),labor and delivery,postpartum units,oncology sites,and other designated areas housing measles-vulnerable patients. The two permitted visitors should remain consistent throughout the patient’s stay, though AHS notes alternative communication options are available for other loved ones. Compassionate exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Measles Cases Exceed 1,500 in Alberta
The visitor restrictions come as Alberta’s measles cases have surged to 1,538 as of Friday. Public advisories have been issued for northern Alberta and Calgary. The breakdown of cases includes:
North Zone: 479 cases
Edmonton: 16 cases
Central Zone: 108 cases
Calgary: 44 cases
South Zone: 891 cases
A dozen cases have been reported in both the North and South zones, with a single case in Calgary. Currently, one person is hospitalized, and 11 cases are considered communicable.
AHS has identified confirmed measles exposure at the Calgary International Airport on July 17 and 19, and at Alberta Precision Laboratories in Glenmore Landing on July 22. Individuals who were at these locations are urged to self-monitor for measles symptoms and review their immunization records.
Measles can lead to serious complications, including ear infections, pneumonia, brain swelling, and in rare instances, death.
Recognizing Measles Symptoms:
Fever of 38.3° C or higher
Cough, runny nose, and/or red eyes
A rash appearing 3-7 days after fever onset, typically starting behind the ears and on the face, then spreading downwards. The rash may appear red and blotchy on lighter skin tones, and purple or darker than surrounding skin, or be arduous to see on darker skin tones.If measles symptoms develop, individuals should stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before seeking medical attention at any healthcare facility or provider.
For more information, visit ahs.ca/measles or ahs.ca/immunization.
