Based on coverage from CBC and Global.
In a tragic turn of events, Alberta has reported its first measles-related death since the highly contagious virus began its resurgence in the province earlier this year. The victim, a premature infant, succumbed to complications shortly after birth. The baby’s mother had contracted measles during her pregnancy, underscoring the severe risks the virus poses to vulnerable populations, including pregnant individuals and their unborn children.
Health Minister Adriana LaGrange expressed her condolences, acknowledging the profound loss and urging Albertans to take preventive measures. “This is a heartbreaking loss, and no words can capture the pain of losing a child,” she said. The minister emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly for those planning to start a family, as vaccination during pregnancy is not recommended.
The measles outbreak in Alberta has been alarming, with nearly 2,000 confirmed cases since March. This figure surpasses the total number of cases reported across the entire United States in the same period. The outbreak has been particularly severe in the southern and northern regions of the province, prompting health officials to issue standing exposure advisories.
Dr. Craig Jenne, a professor at the University of Calgary, noted the inevitability of such outcomes when dealing with measles. “As numbers go up, the risk of a severe, fatal outcome unfortunately also goes up,” he said. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Alberta Hospital, who lamented the preventable nature of such tragedies. She pointed out that the resurgence of measles is largely due to declining vaccination rates, fueled by disinformation and vaccine hesitancy.
The province has ramped up its public awareness campaign since April, which has led to an increase in immunization rates. However, the data reveals a sobering reality: 89% of those infected were not vaccinated. This lack of herd immunity has allowed the virus to spread rapidly, affecting mostly children and teenagers, who make up the majority of cases.
Measles is notorious for its high contagion rate, with an R number of 12 to 18, meaning one infected person can potentially spread the virus to up to 18 others in an unvaccinated population. For comparison, even the most transmissible COVID-19 variants rarely exceeded an R number of 10. Beyond its immediate symptoms, measles can lead to severe complications, including immune amnesia, which erases the immune system’s memory and increases vulnerability to other infections.
The recent death in Alberta mirrors a similar incident in Ontario earlier this year, where another premature infant died after contracting measles from the mother. These cases highlight the critical need for robust vaccination programs and public health strategies to combat misinformation and protect at-risk populations.
As Alberta grapples with this outbreak, health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination. The measles vaccine is highly effective and freely available in the province. For those unsure of their immunization status, resources are available to provide guidance and support.
In the face of this public health challenge, the message is clear: vaccination not only protects individuals but also shields the community from the devastating impacts of preventable diseases like measles.
