Clinical information
Measles Update For Health Care Providers and Staff
This memo contains information about important changes to measles case reporting, effective immediately.
*New* Reporting Process for Measles Cases
Please note that the reporting process for measles has changed. Primary care providers should no longer report cases to their Zone Medical Officer of Health.
Effective immediately, please use the process below.
New process
All suspected, probable and confirmed cases of measles (from in-person/virtual assessments) must be reported immediately by calling 1-844-343-0971.
- You will be prompted to press 1 if you are reporting a measles case.
- You will be asked to leave the following information:·
- Your first and last name and the best number to reach you at.
- The patient’s first and last name, date of birth, healthcare number, onset date of symptoms, what symptoms the patient is experiencing, what tests have been ordered, and any known links to measles cases including travel.
- You will get a call back to collect any missing information if needed between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., seven days a week.
- Please advise the patient to isolate in their home until they are called with the results of their tests and that they may also receive a call from public health.
Primary Care Providers can still reach out to their Zone Medical Officer of Health with questions or concerns about measles at the following numbers:·
- Calgary Zone: 403-264-5615·
- Central Zone: 403-356-6430·
- Edmonton Zone: 780-433-3940·
- North Zone: 1-800-732-8981·
- South Zone: 403-388-6111 (will need to ask to page MOH)·
- For those living in a First Nations community: ISC MOH: 780-218-9929
Note that the following resources have been updated to reflect the new reporting process change:
GuideProvincial Measles Primary Care Clinical Pathway
New measles resource for Low German speakers
AHS has released a video in Low German giving information on measles. It includes messaging on symptoms, prevention and what to do if you’re exposed. The video script is attached here.
As measles case numbers continue to increase in Alberta, primary care teams are reminded of the following key resources. Note: Measles resources are constantly being updated – please watch for new updates.
- Measles Exposures in Alberta | Alberta Health Services – gives the latest information on measles in Alberta, including a full list of exposure locations and dates across the province.
- Measles | Alberta.ca – offers up-to-date case numbers and information for the public.
- Active Health Advisories | Alberta Health Services – lists current advisories by zone.
- Provincial Measles Primary Care Clinical Pathway – gives step-by-step, comprehensive clinical guidance on care delivery.
- Measles Primary Care Summary Guide – sums up key clinical information and relevant information for a clinic setting.
- New: Measles video in Low German – offers information on symptoms, prevention and what to do if you’re exposed. Also see attached video script.
Lab bulletin: New urine cytopathology test requirements
Urine cytopathology (cytology) is no longer recommended in the initial work-up of patients at risk for bladder cancer. Alberta’s new Provincial Hematuria Evaluation Primary Care Pathway outlines more appropriate testing in the initial work-up of both gross and microscopic hematuria. As of May 12, all community urine cytology requests, including requests for patients with hematuria, will be cancelled unless they are ordered by a urologist or are on the recommendation of a urologist. “Urine cytology recommended by urologist” should be written in the Clinical History when requesting urine cytology.
Lab bulletin: Provincial malaria testing standardization
As of April 14, malaria testing in Alberta has been standardized. Only one specimen will be required to rule out malaria, rather than the previously recommended three.
Lab bulletin: New process for tests not available in Connect Care
Effective April 30, healthcare providers who order in Connect Care will follow a new process to place orders for tests that are not performed by Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL). The “Request for External Sendout Lab Test” consult order should be used for tests that do not have a procedure code in Connect Care. To expedite approvals and avoid test cancellation, contact the appropriate APL medical/scientific staff on-call person in advance of placing the consult order.
Professional development & events
New program helps physicians meet CPSA’s PPIP requirements
A new program from the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, SUPPORT for PPIP, aims to provide physicians with a comprehensive package of self-guided online tools and webinars that will empower the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to successfully navigate and fulfill the Physician Practice Improvement Program (PPIP) requirements.
- Visit the SUPPORT for PPIP website to get more information and register.
Rheumatology Revealed 2.0: Advanced Insights and Evolving Best Practices for Family Physicians
This program features four sessions starting Tuesday, April 22, presented by the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.
Knowledge Now Series: Pharmacy practice in rural Alberta
Rural pharmacy practitioners will be presenting on rural community and hospital pharmacy practice in Alberta.
- April 24, 11:00 a.m. – noon.
- Presented by Rural Health Professionals Action Plan (RhPAP).
- Register now.
Nurse Practitoner Association of Alberta Annual Conference
Join the Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta for their 17th Annual Conference, Access 2025: Bridging the Gap, June 7–8 at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton. Connect with NPs, healthcare leaders and innovators to explore clinical and business growth, collaboration and the future of NP practice in Alberta and beyond.
Engagement opportunities
Feedback Opportunity: Provincial Hepatitis B Clinical Pathway
The Provincial Pathways Unit (PPU) is requesting assistance from primary care providers in reviewing the pathway below and sending feedback to albertapathways@primarycarealberta.ca.
The Provincial Hepatitis B Primary Care Clinical Pathway provides clear, actionable guidance on screening, testing, referrals and ongoing monitoring.
Did you know:
- Hepatitis B often goes undiagnosed.
- In Canada, nearly 50 per cent of those with Hepatitis B remain unaware of their status, despite it being a leading cause of liver disease and cancer.
- Early detection not only improves patient outcomes but also protects loved ones.
Clinical Pharmacology consultation service
Did you know primary care teams in Alberta can access a physician consultation service called Clinical Pharmacology? It’s an AHS program that’s been available in Calgary since 2018 and is now province-wide. Physicians and nurse practitioners are encouraged to call the physician on call for Clinical Pharmacology with questions about patients issues such as:
- Suspected adverse drug events of any kind.
- Questions about polypharmacy / deprescribing.
- New or unusual drug interactions.
Patient resources
Care Opinion platform launches
Imagine Citizens Network has announced that with the support of Alberta Health and Alberta Innovates, Care Opinion is now live across the province, providing Albertans with a dedicated platform for open conversations between patients and healthcare providers. Care Opinion is a new web-based platform to help patients and caregivers share their experiences of health and care services in Alberta, good or bad.
- For more information or to share your story, go to Care Opinion Canada.
National Caregivers Month
May is National Caregivers Month, which honours the extraordinary individuals who devote their compassion and energy to supporting others. Across Canada, caregivers play a crucial role in the well-being of their loved ones, often juggling multiple responsibilities with resilience. By championing caregivers, we ensure they have the tools, resources and acknowledgement to continue their vital contributions.
Cancer Diagnosis and Cancer Care
Cancer Care Alberta (CCA) has developed a new online module for patients called In Between Getting a Cancer Diagnosis and Your First Cancer Care Appointment. Patients can also find helpful resources in this one-page information sheet, and CCA’s Newly Diagnosed webpage.
- For more information, contact Cancer.PatientEd@ahs.ca.