Measles spread trending down while Alberta children go back to the classroom. Will it take?

Alberta’s measles outbreak appears to be slowing down, but health experts are warning that a resurgence could be on the horizon as children return to school this week. The province has seen a significant number of cases, surpassing the total case counts for the entire United States back in July.

Despite reporting more cases than any other province in Canada, Alberta has seen a decrease in the number of new measles cases each week since the peak in July. As of now, there have been a total of 1,826 cases identified since the outbreaks began in March, with seven new cases reported over the long weekend.

Dr. Karina Top, a specialist in infectious diseases at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, attributes the decline in new cases to efforts to increase vaccination rates. However, there is still concern about the potential for another spike in cases as children return to school and spend more time in close contact indoors.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. With the virus being able to linger in the air for up to two hours, unvaccinated individuals are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.

Both Dr. Top and Dr. Sidd Thakore, a pediatrician at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary, emphasize the importance of ensuring that families are up-to-date on vaccinations and keeping sick children at home. Vaccination rates in Alberta are currently below the threshold needed for herd immunity, with experts recommending two doses of the measles vaccine for nearly 100% protection.

It is crucial for the community to work together to prevent the spread of measles and protect those who are most vulnerable. Stay informed, stay vaccinated, and stay safe.