Alberta doctors say first measles death a ‘stark’ reminder outbreak was preventable

The emergency department of the Rockyview General Hospital is pictured in Calgary, Thursday, March 20, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Alberta doctors say the death of a baby born prematurely due to measles is a “stark” reminder that the ongoing measles outbreak in Alberta was preventable.

Dr. Brian Wirzba, the new president of the Alberta Medical Association, which represents doctors, says they are deeply saddened to learn of the death, and they know “the family is heartbroken.”

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The province’s first recorded measles death this year came after the mother of the baby contracted the disease while pregnant.

It’s the second in Canada this year.

Wirzba says the province’s vaccination rates remain too low, and as a result, the outbreak continues longer than it should.

In July, Alberta recorded the most measles cases in North America on a per-capita basis.

Wirzba urged Albertans to protect themselves from the serious and highly contagious disease.

“We understand that misinformation and disinformation are contributing to vaccine hesitancy, and that many people are being actively targeted with false claims,” he said in a Friday statement, offering condolences and support to the family.

“We also recognize the health-care team who cared for this child with compassion and dedication -- our thoughts are with them as well.”

As of Friday, 1,917 measles cases have been reported by the province on its website this year, with three of those cases currently active and communicable.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports on its website that, as of Tuesday, there have been a total of 1,544 confirmed measles cases in that country.

Primary and Preventative Health Minister Adriana LaGrange has said since Alberta launched its marketing campaign in April, measles immunizations have increased by 52 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Opposition NDP health critic Sarah Hoffman has called on the United Conservative government to do more, including increasing access to the vaccine and giving front-line health workers the resources they need to do so.

Both Wirzba and LaGrange have stressed that measles poses the greatest risk to pregnant individuals and young children, and have said those who are considering becoming pregnant should get vaccinated.

“By doing so, you help protect not only yourself but also those around you who are most vulnerable,” said Wirzba.

LaGrange’s office has not responded to requests for details, including about when and in what region of the province the death occurred.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 3, 2025.

Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press