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10h ago

Alberta Measles Cases Top U.S. Total, Challenging Canada’s Elimination Status

Persistent virus spread driven by low vaccine coverage could cost Canada its measles-free status if immunization rates do not improve by fall.

The province reported Monday that it has seen 1,314 cases since the beginning of March.
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Overview

  • Since early March Alberta has confirmed 1,314 measles cases, surpassing the United States’ 1,288 reported across 39 states.
  • More than 100 Albertans have been hospitalized with no deaths recorded, compared with 162 hospitalizations and three fatalities in the U.S.
  • Some regions of Alberta report MMR vaccination rates as low as 24%, undermining herd immunity and fueling continued transmission.
  • Alberta Health Services has issued exposure advisories, expanded immunization clinics and launched awareness campaigns to contain the outbreak.
  • University of Calgary expert Dr. Craig Jenne warns that transmission is unlikely to be under control before fall, putting Canada’s 1998 measles-elimination milestone at risk.