A new case of measles has been confirmed in an Edmonton infant

The child, who is less than 12 months old and too young to be immunized, is Edmonton’s fifth confirmed case of measles.

The case is linked to a previous one in the city, Alberta Health Services said.

In a statement released Thursday, health officials said this case is not a risk to the general public but does highlight the importance of getting immunized to protect more vulnerable people.

“Quite simply, vulnerable individuals – such as infants too young to be immunized, or immuno-compromised Albertans who can’t be immunized – are dependent on the immunity of those around them,” said Dr. Gerry Predy, AHS Senior Medical Officer of Health.

“Without proper immunization, Albertans are not only at risk of developing measles themselves; they are also putting these vulnerable individuals at great risk for diseases against which their bodies have no defense.”

Another case of measles also appeared in Red Deer, also linked to a previous case, AHS said..

However, AHS is warning anyone who was at the Gaetz Avenue Boston Pizza on Monday between 12:30 to 3:45 p.m. to watch for symptoms.

The restaurant does not present an ongoing risk to health, AHS said.

A new case of measles was also confirmed in Calgary Thursday, bringing that city's total up to eight individuals infected the disease.

Immunization in Alberta

Officials with Alberta Health Services (AHS) says any adult born since 1970 who has not received two doses of the measles vaccine are 90 per cent more likely to catch the virus once they have been exposed to it.

In Alberta, the measles vaccine is available for free as part of the province’s childhood immunization program.

AHS says children should get their first dose of the vaccine at 12 months, followed by a second dose when they are between four and six years old.

No treatment for measles exists.