‘It’s the perfect storm’: Doctors urge measles vaccinations as Alberta case counts rise

As concerns about measles continue to rise in Alberta, health-care workers are gearing up for a potential surge in cases and are urging residents to ensure they are fully vaccinated against the highly contagious virus.

As of midday Tuesday, Alberta Health has reported 13 confirmed cases of measles in the province. This includes two cases in the Calgary zone, three in the Edmonton zone, and eight in the north zone. The number of cases has increased by two since Monday, with one additional case each reported in the Calgary and Edmonton zones. One person has been hospitalized due to the virus.

While the province has not provided age ranges for the latest cases, the youngest confirmed case in Alberta is a baby under one year old, and the oldest is an adult between the ages of 35 and 54. The breakdown of cases by age group, as of Monday, is as follows:
– Under one year: 1 case
– Ages 1-4: 3 cases
– Ages 5-9: 4 cases
– Ages 10-14: 2 cases
– Ages 35-54: 1 case

Dr. Sidd Thakore, a pediatrician at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, believes that Alberta may see an increase in measles cases in the coming weeks. He describes measles as a very contagious virus that can linger in the air or on surfaces, making it difficult to contain. Thakore emphasizes the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of the virus.

Dr. Isabelle Chapados, a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Alberta, expresses frustration over the rise in measles cases, emphasizing that the disease is entirely preventable through vaccination. Alberta’s routine childhood immunization schedule recommends two doses of the measles vaccine, with the first dose given at 12 months and the second at 18 months of age.

Despite the availability of vaccines, vaccination rates in Alberta have been declining. In 2023, only 69.3% of children in the province were fully vaccinated with two doses of the measles vaccine by the age of two, well below the target of 95%. Thakore urges individuals to ensure they and their children are up to date on vaccinations and advises consulting with a healthcare provider if there are any concerns.

Measles can have serious consequences, including complications such as brain swelling, pneumonia, and even death. Alberta Health warns that between one and three in every 1,000 people infected with the virus will die, and over 90% of non-immune individuals who come into contact with measles will become infected. Babies are particularly vulnerable as they are not fully protected until after receiving their second dose of the vaccine at 18 months.

The Alberta government is actively working to educate the public about the importance of vaccination and plans to provide daily updates on measles case counts. Health Minister Adriana LaGrange emphasizes the need for accurate information to combat vaccine hesitancy and ensure that families make informed decisions about their health.

It is crucial for all individuals to take responsibility for their health and the health of their communities by staying informed about vaccinations and following recommended immunization schedules. By working together to increase vaccination rates, we can protect vulnerable individuals, prevent the spread of measles, and safeguard public health.