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Measles Surges in Alberta and Europe as New Brunswick Declares Outbreak

Health authorities are ramping up vaccination efforts to curb transmission ahead of a threatened loss of Canada’s measles elimination status

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A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination awaits the next patient during a vaccine clinic at Southwestern Public Health in St. Thomas, Ont., on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Geoff Robins

Overview

  • Alberta Health Services reported 1,314 confirmed measles cases since March with no deaths, surpassing the U.S. total of 1,288 cases that have included three fatalities.
  • Public Health New Brunswick has confirmed three measles cases and is investigating five probable infections in its south-central region after declaring an outbreak this month.
  • The U.K. recorded its first child fatality in Liverpool and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital treated 17 measles patients since June as first-dose MMR uptake fell to 89 per cent.
  • World Health Organization data show measles cases in the European Region jumped to 148,974 in 2024, the highest tally since 1997, highlighting widespread coverage gaps.
  • Officials warn Canada risks losing its 1998 measles elimination status if transmission remains uncontrolled before fall, prompting expanded vaccination clinics and exposure alerts.