Measles cases continue to rise in Alberta, but health officials say the pace has slowed slightly ahead of the busy back-to-school season.
The province has now recorded 1,538 confirmed cases, including 27 new infections over the past week. Eleven cases remain in their communicable stage, meaning they are still contagious. Nearly one-third of Alberta’s total cases have been reported in the north zone, which now has 479 infections. The south zone remains the hardest-hit region, with 891 confirmed cases.
While Alberta is grappling with outbreaks across all five health zones, Ontario continues to lead the country in measles activity with nearly 3,000 reported cases as of last week. Alberta Health Services says most infections in this province have been among children under five and youth between the ages of five and 17 who have not been vaccinated.
Measles is an extremely contagious virus spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. It is also known as red measles or rubeola. The virus can lead to serious complications, particularly for infants, pregnant people and those with compromised immune systems. Public health officials say even a single case in an unvaccinated community can trigger a rapid outbreak.
Since January, Alberta has seen 128 hospitalizations and 15 ICU admissions linked to measles, although no deaths have been reported. Only one person was hospitalized as of July 24. Nearly 83 per cent of confirmed cases reported to Alberta Primary and Preventative Health Services since the start of the year were in people who had not received any measles immunization.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. Alberta Health Services provides measles-containing vaccines free of charge to eligible residents at public health centres. Immunization clinics have ramped up across the province, with thousands of doses administered each week. People who cannot be vaccinated are advised to avoid indoor gatherings and limit contact to individuals who are fully immunized.
Anyone with questions about symptoms, exposure risks, or immunization records can contact the dedicated measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434. Public health officials continue to urge all Albertans, especially those returning to classrooms and childcare settings this fall, to ensure their measles immunizations are up to date.
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