Alberta boosts measles vaccination campaign after three children are admitted to intensive care
Amid a concerning surge in measles cases, Alberta health authorities are urgently ramping up their vaccination efforts following the hospitalization of three children in intensive care due to the highly contagious disease. The province’s public health officials are warning families to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date as they work to contain the spread and prevent further complications.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) confirmed that the latest measles outbreak has primarily affected unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals, particularly children. The three pediatric intensive care admissions have elevated public concern and intensified the call for immediate action.
“We’re seeing a reemergence of a disease that is entirely preventable,” said Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “These ICU cases are a serious wake-up call for families who have delayed or declined vaccination.”
Measles, once considered eliminated in Canada, has been making a global comeback in recent years, partly due to vaccine hesitancy and disruptions in routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current outbreak in Alberta is believed to be linked to international travel and low local immunization rates in some communities.
In response, the province is launching expanded vaccination clinics, particularly in schools, community health centers, and pharmacies. Mobile vaccine units have also been deployed in rural and underserved areas to increase access.
Parents are being encouraged to check their child’s immunization records and ensure they have received two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which offers over 95% protection. AHS is also targeting public awareness with a digital and media campaign focused on the risks of measles and the safety of the vaccine.
Measles is an airborne virus that spreads rapidly and can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and even death. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and the signature red rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
Health experts warn that unvaccinated individuals pose a risk not only to themselves but also to infants, immunocompromised people, and others who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
Alberta’s renewed vaccination push comes as other provinces, including British Columbia and Ontario, also report sporadic measles cases linked to global outbreaks. National health agencies continue to stress the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent further spread.
As Alberta intensifies its efforts to curb the outbreak, public health officials are urging all residents to take immediate steps to protect themselves and their communities from this preventable but potentially dangerous disease.
Source : Swifteradio.com
