Alberta babies have been born with measles due to outbreaks, worrying doctors

As Alberta’s measles case count approaches 1,000, health experts are sounding the alarm about babies in the province being born already infected with the virus. The provincial government has confirmed cases of congenital measles, a condition that can lead to severe complications and even death. Pregnant Albertans are also testing positive for the virus.

According to officials, fewer than five cases of congenital measles were reported in Alberta in 2025. In each case, the mother was not immunized. Information on whether the infants were born prematurely is not available. To date, there have been 20 confirmed cases of measles in pregnant individuals, with fewer than five of them requiring hospitalization.

The Alberta government does not release this information publicly, citing privacy reasons. However, CBC News requested the data after Ontario reported a premature baby born infected with measles had died. Ontario has reported seven cases of congenital measles since mid-October.

As of June 14, a total of 85 Albertans had been hospitalized due to measles, with 14 admissions to the intensive care unit. By midday Thursday, the province’s total measles case count had climbed to 996.

Pregnant individuals are at higher risk of complications from measles, including a higher risk of premature birth and severe complications for both the mother and the baby. Dr. Amber Reichert, an Edmonton-based neonatologist, expressed concerns about the potential risks to both pregnancy loss or the baby becoming infected.

Congenital measles occurs when the mother passes the infection to the baby in the final weeks of pregnancy. This can lead to severe complications for the infant, including brain inflammation and even death. Babies with congenital measles can also present with symptoms such as liver inflammation and pneumonia.

In addition to the immediate health concerns, there are potential long-term consequences, including a rare neurological illness called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, which can manifest years later and lead to death.

Measles is highly contagious, and health officials warn that the official case counts may not reflect the true number of cases in the province. Low immunization rates in certain areas pose a significant risk, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant individuals and infants.

Dr. Reichert emphasized the importance of vaccination to protect both individuals and the community. She urged everyone to ensure they and their children are immunized to prevent the spread of measles and protect those who may not be able to receive the vaccine.

In response to the outbreaks, Alberta is offering immune globulin to high-risk groups, including pregnant individuals and infants under six months of age, who have been exposed to measles. The province is also providing an early and extra dose of the measles vaccine to babies as young as six months in harder-hit areas.

It is crucial for the public to be aware of the risks associated with measles, especially for pregnant individuals and infants. By taking preventive measures and staying informed, Albertans can help prevent the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations in the province.