The Alberta government has confirmed over 600 cases of measles across the province since early March, marking a concerning resurgence of the highly contagious disease and prompting renewed calls for public vigilance and immunization.
According to Alberta Health Services (AHS), the outbreak has primarily affected unvaccinated individuals and communities with lower immunization rates. The majority of reported cases have been concentrated in urban centers, including Edmonton and Calgary, but rural regions are also seeing an uptick in infections.
Health officials are warning that the outbreak poses a significant risk to public health, especially for infants, immunocompromised individuals, and those who have not received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, and this outbreak is a clear signal of declining vaccine coverage,” said Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “We are urging all Albertans to check their vaccination status and ensure they and their families are protected.”
The rise in cases is being linked in part to increased international travel and vaccine hesitancy, both of which have disrupted herd immunity levels in the province. Alberta currently falls below the 95% immunization threshold required to effectively prevent widespread measles transmission.
In response, the provincial government has launched an expanded public awareness campaign and is working with schools, community health clinics, and pharmacies to increase access to MMR vaccines. Temporary immunization clinics have been set up in high-risk zones, and contact tracing is ongoing to prevent further spread.
Parents are being advised to keep children exhibiting measles symptoms—such as fever, cough, and rash—at home and seek medical attention promptly. Schools and childcare facilities are also being reminded of protocols for managing suspected cases.
This outbreak is the largest the province has seen in over a decade, and it underscores the importance of sustained public health efforts and community-wide cooperation to control preventable diseases.
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