Keep babies, high risk Albertans away from Stampede due to measles, doctors caution

The Calgary Stampede is a highly anticipated event that draws in over 1.3 million people from all over Alberta and around the world. However, this year health experts are warning about the risk of measles exposure and are urging parents with babies and unimmunized children, along with other vulnerable Albertans, to sit this one out.

The province of Alberta is currently battling its worst measles outbreaks in nearly half a century, with 1,179 cases reported since the outbreaks began in March. Dr. Sam Wong, president of the section of pediatrics with the Alberta Medical Association, emphasized the risk factor associated with large gatherings like the Stampede. Measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, premature delivery, and even death, particularly for young children, pregnant individuals, and those who are immunocompromised.

Due to the outbreaks, the province is offering an early and extra dose of the measles vaccine to babies as young as six months old in certain zones. Dr. Craig Jenne from the University of Calgary expressed concern about the potential spread of measles at the Stampede, highlighting the highly transmissible nature of the virus and the close proximity of individuals at the event.

Dr. Karina Top, a pediatric infectious disease physician at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, also urged high-risk Albertans and those with vulnerable infants to avoid large gatherings like the Stampede to prevent the spread of measles. Health officials are encouraging all Albertans to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date, practice good hand hygiene, and stay home if feeling unwell.

The province’s measles awareness campaign, “Don’t Get Measles, Get Immunized,” has been extended, and case counts and exposure notifications are regularly updated on Alberta’s measles webpage. While the province has not provided additional advice on posting signs at the Stampede grounds, officials urge guests to follow the guidance of public health authorities and stay home if feeling unwell.

As the Stampede kicks off, health experts are closely monitoring the situation and emphasizing the importance of being aware of the risks associated with attending large gatherings during the measles outbreaks. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can help prevent the further spread of measles in Alberta.