Physicians brace for summer travel season as Alberta tops 800 measles cases
As the summer season approaches in Alberta, the number of measles cases continues to rise, causing concern among experts about the potential for even wider transmission. With 31 new cases reported over the weekend, the total case count in Alberta has now reached 809 as of midday Monday. Currently, five individuals are hospitalized due to the virus, with two patients in intensive care.
The outbreaks initially began in March, and although cases have been confirmed in all zones, the south, central, and north zones are experiencing the highest number of cases. Caroline Colijn, a professor and Canada Research Chair of Mathematics for Evolution, Infection, and Public Health at Simon Fraser University, expressed her concern, stating that the measles case counts in Alberta are not showing any signs of slowing down. She predicts that the numbers will continue to climb for months to come.
Dr. Sam Wong, president of the Alberta Medical Association’s section of pediatrics, shares this worry and anticipates that the number of cases in Alberta may surpass 1,000 in the coming weeks, exceeding the total cases reported in the United States.
Experts are particularly concerned about the impact of summer travel on the spread of the virus. Craig Jenne, a professor at the University of Calgary specializing in microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases, highlights the potential for summer activities like travel and festivals to contribute to widespread transmission. He warns that community-level transmission could expand beyond the south zone as people embark on summer vacations and attend events like the Calgary Stampede.
The south zone currently accounts for the majority of measles cases in Alberta, prompting health officials to issue a standing exposure advisory due to widespread transmission. Dr. Paul Parks, an emergency room physician in Medicine Hat, has observed firsthand the contagious nature of the virus and is bracing for further outbreaks in the province as mass gatherings and events occur.
Measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for several hours, making it easy for unvaccinated individuals to become infected. The Alberta government reports that more than 90% of non-immune individuals exposed to the virus will contract it. With the majority of cases in Alberta occurring among unimmunized individuals, the risk of severe complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation, is heightened, especially for children under five, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant individuals.
As the province grapples with the ongoing measles outbreaks, health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread of the virus. With summer travel potentially exacerbating the situation, it is crucial for individuals to take necessary precautions and stay informed about measles prevention measures.
