Alberta Health Services says another case of the measles has been confirmed in Edmonton, this time in a child too young to receive the vaccine – officials said the case highlights the need for people to get immunized to protect those who can’t.

AHS said Thursday that the latest patient is under 12 months of age, and is not yet old enough to receive the first dose of the measles vaccine.

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

AHS said this case was connected to another one reported earlier this month.

“This particular case is connected with the case that was involved with the airport, and airline transportation,” Dr. Marcia Johnson said Thursday.

That patient was a child, who flew from the Philippines to Vancouver, and then onto Edmonton on April 9.

According to AHS, measles is extremely contagious: and individuals born after 1970, who have not had two doses of the vaccine (starting at 12 months, then again between four and six-years-old), are about 90 per cent more likely to get sick after being exposed to the measles virus.

Symptoms of measles are a fever of 38.3 degrees Celsius or higher, a cough, runny nose, and/or red eyes, and a red blotchy rash that appears three to seven days after the fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face, and then spreading down to the body, then the arms and legs.

AHS has said in the past that anyone who may have been exposed to the virus should monitor themselves, and if they develop symptoms, not go to a medical health centre, but should call Health Link Alberta at 1-800-408-5465 to determine their next steps.

Officials said this latest case is not a risk to the general public – and the infant is recovering from the illness at home.

Statistics show about one in three people who contract the measles develop severe complications, which can lead to ear infections, leading to permanent hearing loss, pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and seizures – the illness can also be fatal.

Any serious complications are likely to develop in children under five-years-old, anyone 20-years-old or older, and anyone with a compromised immune system.

Dr. Predy said the illness is one that Albertans should take seriously.

“We are fortunate to have vaccine that can prevent this illness, and I urge all Albertans who can be immunized to ensure they are adequately immunized,” Dr. Predy said.

AHS said there is no treatment for measles.

This is the fifth measles case confirmed in the Edmonton-area in April – officials said none of the cases involved school-aged children – and out of the five, two patients had to be hospitalized, and both are recovering.

With files from Susan Amerongen