Measles cases in Alberta climb to 58 as province’s top doctor speaks out

After weeks of mounting pressure, Alberta's chief medical officer of health is finally addressing the growing concern around measles spread in our province.

Alberta’s top public health doctor has issued a public statement in which he highlights the importance of getting vaccinated against measles as cases continue to climb.

As of Friday, April 11, there were 58 confirmed measles cases in Alberta.

Most of those cases (54) have been found in those under the age of 18, according to data posted to the province’s website.

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Outbreaks span all five Alberta health zones, but the central zone is still considered the hot spot for transmission with 30 cases.

The latest data provided on hospitalizations shows eight as of April 5.

The latest data on immunization status is also from April 5, and shows 30 of the confirmed cases from that time were unimmunized, and five that only had one of the two shots.

The chart does not include how many confirmed cases there were at that same time, but after reaching out to the province, a spokesperson confirmed there were 35.

It means all 35 of the cases at that time were people who had not been fully vaccinated.

‘Measles vaccine is safe:’ Joffe

Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mark Joffe issued a statement late Friday afternoon in which he addressed the ongoing measles situation.

The move comes amid mounting calls for him to address the public as cases continue to climb.

“We are paying close attention to rising cases within the south and central zones,” Joffe said.

“While the number of cases is concerning, I want to let Albertans know that public health officials are managing the cases and contacts as well as working with local leadership to support affected communities”

Joffe goes on to say that 48 of the confirmed cases are thought to be past their period of communicability, though he noted that doesn’t “necessarily reflect” risk in the community as there may be people with undiagnosed measles.

“In light of the measles outbreaks across the province, I want to remind all Albertans that these outbreaks are highly preventable,” he said.

“Albertans can protect themselves and those around them by ensuring their measles immunizations are up to date. Immunization with measles-containing vaccine is the single most important public health intervention to prevent measles.

“The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing infection and complications and is readily available to eligible Albertans.”

Alberta takes measles ‘seriously’

A statement sent to CTV News from Health Minister Adriana La Grange’s office says the Alberta’s government is “taking the current measles outbreaks in the province seriously” and continuing to monitor things closely.

“While the current situation in the province is concerning, it remains localized, with the vast majority of cases traceable,” the statement reads.

‘Doing a terrible job’

Sarah Hoffman, health critic for Alberta’s opposition NDP, says she takes issue with Alberta Health saying it takes the measles situation “seriously.”

“The province is doing a terrible job handling this,” she said.

“Measles is something that we were we thought we’d eradicated, or at least been on the verge of eradication, and the fact that (58) people have contracted measles in the wealthiest province and one of the richest countries in the world, where we have the opportunity to have every advantage is deeply concerning.”

“We need a government that will focus on getting people good information and connecting them with public health,” she said.

“This is literally a life-or-death situation, and kids deserve a lot better.”

Pediatrician reacts

In his Friday statement, Joffe noted that children aged two and younger are more susceptible to severe outcomes as a result of contracting measles.

“Measles is more serious than other common childhood illnesses. It can cause pneumonia, brain swelling and even death,” he said.

Dr. Cora Constantinescu, a pediatrician and infectious diseases specialist working at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary, says measles is one of the most highly transmissible diseases that travels via air, adding it can be caught even two hours after an infected person has left a particular area.

The latest provincial data from 2023 shows 69.3 per cent of Alberta children were fully immunized with two doses of the measles vaccine.

In order to get the coverage needed to limit the spread, University of Calgary infectious disease expert Dr. Craig Jenne says close to 95 per cent of people in particular regions should be vaccinated.

“Over the last week, we’ve seen, really a doubling of cases in a matter of just a few days. What’s more concerning is these cases are now in all five health zones, and we are hearing discussion that there is now evidence of community level spread,” Jenne said.

“So, these are no longer within households or small social groups, but rather spreading in the broader community, and that makes it very difficult to contain.”

For more information on Alberta’s measles response and the latest data, you can visit alberta.ca/measles.