Alberta government beefs up measles defence as cases rival 1980s levels

The Alberta government is ramping up efforts to combat the province’s measles outbreaks, which have reached levels not seen since 1987. With 265 confirmed cases and three patients under the age of 18 in intensive care, health officials are urging Albertans to take action.

Dr. Sunil Sookram, Alberta’s interim chief medical officer of health, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing measles. He highlighted the safety and effectiveness of the measles vaccine, which has saved millions of lives over the years. However, vaccination rates in the province’s south and central zones have fallen below the recommended threshold of 95 percent, leading to a surge in cases.

The government is expanding access to immunization by adding more appointments at clinics in the hardest-hit regions. Evening and weekend appointments are being offered in the south zone, while walk-in vaccination and extended hours are available in the central zone. Alberta Health Services is prepared to open additional clinic space based on demand.

In addition to expanding immunization services, the government is launching an ad campaign across various media platforms and languages to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination. Public health officials are also working with physicians, public health nurses, and faith leaders in affected communities to ensure accurate information is disseminated.

Babies living or traveling to the impacted zones are eligible for an early dose of the measles vaccine, in addition to the routine schedule at 12 and 18 months of age. Plans are also in place for standalone measles assessment and treatment centers, should the need arise.

Dr. Sam Wong, president of the section of pediatrics with the Alberta Medical Association, expressed concerns about the timing of the government’s response. He believes that stronger messaging and increased vaccination access should have been implemented sooner to prevent the current outbreaks.

Former chief medical officer of health for Alberta, Dr. James Talbot, echoed Wong’s concerns about the potential impacts of the outbreaks. He emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent deaths from measles, a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications.

While health officials have not declared a province-wide measles outbreak, they are closely monitoring the situation and taking precautions to prevent further spread of the virus. Sookram acknowledged that it will take time to see the effects of the immunization programs but remains hopeful that the outbreaks can be reined in.

Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a blotchy rash. Health officials urge anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention and follow the recommended vaccination guidelines. Information about measles, including case counts and exposure location alerts, can be found on the Alberta government’s measles web page.