Stronger Together Children's Fair

Join us for an afternoon of fun and learning at the Stronger Together Fair!

Starting at noon, families are invited to the Kò Gocho Sportsplex Gym for a community fair packed with activities for all ages—bouncy castle, face painting, door prizes, and community BBQ with refreshments.

But this event is more than just fun — it’s also a chance to learn how we can protect our children and communities from measles.

Wellchild Clinic

A free immunization clinic will be available on site, along with resources and staff to answer your questions and concerns about the disease, the risks of outbreaks, and how vaccines help keep everyone safe.

“It has taken Alberta less than 90 days to go from no measles to over 500 cases. This happened because measles spreads very quickly and mostly affects kids who aren’t fully vaccinated. No one wants to see our kids get sick—so please, get your kids vaccinated.”
Chiefs Executive Council

If you have questions about measles or the vaccine, this is the perfect time to learn more in a relaxed, supportive setting.

Why it matters:

• Measles spreads quickly—especially among unvaccinated children
• The measles vaccine has been safely used since 1971
• It protects children from getting seriously ill
• Most people have little to no side effects

Can’t make it? Call your local Health Centre to speak with a nurse about how to get vaccinated.

Measles (Rubeola) FAQs

What is measles?

• Measles is a very serious and very contagious (spreads easily from person to person) illness that is caused by a virus.
• Other names for measles are rubeola or red measles.
• Measles can be very dangerous especially for babies, pregnant women and those with immune compromising conditions.

What are the symptoms of measles disease?

Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red sore eyes
• Red blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body

When do these symptoms appear?

• Fever, cough, runny nose and red sore eyes can appear 7-18 days after being close to someone with measles.
• The red blotchy rash appears 7-21 days after being close to someone with measles.

What are the complications of measles disease?

Complications include:

• Ear infections
• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Encephalitis (swelling of the brain) that can cause seizures, brain damage and death

How is measles spread?

• The virus is spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by kissing, sharing food and drinks.
• The virus can remain in the air for up to 2 hours even after the infected person has left the room.
• You can spread the measles virus to others from 4 days before the rash starts until 4 days after the rash appears.
• The virus is most often spread when people first get sick, usually before they have been diagnosed with measles.

What should you do if become ill or think you have been exposed to measles?

• If you are showing symptoms of measles, call a health care provider as soon as possible.
• Call first and describe your symptoms over the phone before your appointment. This way the clinic can arrange to see you without you being close to others in the waiting room.

How is measles diagnosed?

Measles is based on your symptoms, possible exposure and your immunization history

 Your health care provider will confirm the diagnosis of measles with:

• a blood test
• a nasopharyngeal swab (i.e. swab of the back of your nose)
• lab test of your urine

How is Measles treated?

• There is no cure for measles, but measles usually gets better on its own in about 2-3 weeks.
• Measles is serious and you need to call your health care provider right away if you think you or someone in your family has or has been exposed to someone with measles.
• You will need to stay home and get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and stay away from other people so that you do not spread the disease.
• Your health care provider may prescribe medication to reduce your fever.
• Staying home to prevent others from getting sick is very important. You will need to stay away from other people until after 4 days after the rash appeared.

How do you prevent measles?

• Immunization is the best way to protect yourself, your children and your community
• Measles can be prevented through vaccination with a measles containing vaccine
• The vaccine for measles is safe and very effective
• Measles is part of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine and the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine
• In the Northwest Territories, these vaccines are publicly funded and free of charge See the NWT Immunization schedule for more information.

References:

NWT Immunization: https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/immunization-vaccination

Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/measles.html

Alberta Health: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw198187