Canada measles crisis: Alberta in panic over worst outbreak in 45 years, memories of pre-vaccine times back
Alberta is facing a severe measles outbreak, with 868 confirmed cases since March 2025, levels unseen since 1979. Northern Alberta communities are under exposure advisories due to low vaccination rates. Health officials are urging immediate vaccination, including early MMR doses for infants in high-risk areas, to combat the resurgence of this highly contagious disease.
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High fever (often > 38.5°C / 101°F)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
A red rash that typically starts on the face and spreads downward
Alberta is in the grip of its worst measles outbreak in nearly half a century, with 868 confirmed cases since March 2025. These levels of infection haven't been seen in the province since 1979, and alarmingly, provincial officials warn that more cases are likely undetected.The outbreak has haunted communities into renewed vigilance. In northern Alberta, standing exposure advisories now cover La Crête, Fort Vermilion, and High Level, areas where low vaccination rates have allowed the virus to spread.According to the Alberta government, the highest recorded measles case count was in 1957, when 12,337 cases were reported.Globally, Canada lost its 'measles elimination' status in 1998, but this massive surge reminds us how fragile that milestone can be.Dr. Craig Jenne at the University of Calgary describes the spike as alarming: 'We're really going back to pre-vaccination times here in Alberta,' a return to the era before the MMR vaccine was introduced in 1982.Of the 879 reported cases (as of June 13), 251 involve children under five and 407 involve school-age kids. Among those infected, 690 were entirely unvaccinated, and only 38 had received two MMR doses. Seventy-five people have been hospitalized, and 12 required intensive care.Exposure alerts have a broad reach, extending from Canmore and Banff to Calgary, layered on top of standing advisories in rural zonesPublic health experts stress immediate vaccination as the only clear defense. Alberta Health now offers an early MMR dose to infants starting at six months in high-risk areas , along with rapid post-exposure immunity options for recent contacts.With measles once declared eliminated in Canada, this resurgence fuels discomfort, bringing back painful images of past epidemics.Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus. It spreads easily through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can linger in the air for up to 2 hours after exposure.Measles can be dangerous, especially for young children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and may include:Complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and even death.The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) is the best protection. Two doses offer about 97 percent immunity. In high-risk areas, babies as young as 6 months can receive an early dose. Post-exposure vaccines or immune globulin may help prevent illness if given within 72 hours of contact.
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