Measles cases in Alberta continue to climb, with 606 cases across the province. The south zone accounts for the vast majority, with 452. On Friday, Alberta Health Services issued a standing measles advisory for the entire south zone. The advisory comes after a significant number of people have been confirmed to have measles, but with no known exposure source. Previously, AHS had been reporting site-specific exposure advisories, which health officials say no longer accurately captures the scope of the potential risk. Anyone living, working or travelling to the south zone is advised to check whether their immunizations are up to date. “Unfortunately, over the last 10 years or so, vaccine rates have continued to drop. And we do know that to keep viruses such as measles at bay, we need 95 per cent of the public vaccinated. And unfortunately, across the province, we’re not at that level,” said Craig Jenne, infection disease specialist at the University of Calgary. “In some areas of the province, including southern Alberta, we’re actually significantly below that level, with some areas with fewer than 50 per cent of people vaccinated. “Without a significant uptick, the virus will continue to spread.” The health zone is south of Calgary and includes the cities of Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. It serves about 309,000 Albertans. In a written statement provided to CTV News, Primary and Preventative Health Services said the government is taking the current situation seriously. According to the statement, the government is monitoring the south health zone especially closely. “We are committed to continuing to raise awareness and promoting immunization, and we are seeing positive results,” the statement said. “Between March 16 and May 11, 47,369 measles vaccines were administered across Alberta—an increase of nearly 57 per cent compared to the same period last year. In the south zone alone, 3,895 vaccinations have been administered since March 16, marking a 118 per cent increase year over year.“ Primary and Preventative Health Services went on to note measles clinics have been expanded across the province and awareness campaigns have been running throughout April and May. “To ensure accessibility, campaign materials will be translated into more than 14 languages,” the statement said. “While still in the early stages, the increased visibility of the messaging the campaign provides will support the overall goal of increasing immunization rates that public health officials have been working to do on the ground in communities hardest hit.“ The province acknowledges more still needs to be done. “Starting May 26, 2025, AHS Public Health is launching a call-out campaign in the south, central and north zones that will target parents of 6–11-month-old children, letting them know that their child is eligible for a measles-containing vaccine," the statement said.
