Edmonton measles case prompts health alert

A confirmed case of measles in the Edmonton area has prompted a public-health alert.

Alberta Health Services, the provincial health-care authority, wants to follow up with anyone who may have been in close contact with the ill person, who recently travelled outside Canada.

Passengers on Air Canada Flight 244 on Aug. 15 between Vancouver and Edmonton are asked to call Health Link Alberta as soon as possible.

The request extends to anyone who was in the baggage claim area at Edmonton International Airport between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. local time that day.

Measles is an extremely contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus and causes fever, runny nose, cough and a full-body rash.

Individuals who have not already had measles or who haven't been immunized are at the highest risk.