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Measles is surging in Alberta. Which vaccine-preventable disease could be next?
Measles 'canary in the coalmine,' as experts watch for resurgence of illnesses like polio
Jennifer Lee · CBC News · Posted: Jun 16, 2025 3:00 AM CDT | Last Updated: 4 hours ago
Doctors and scientists worry Alberta's measles outbreaks could signal the start of a new era when other dangerous infectious diseases of the past could re-emerge and pose new health threats.
The province is battling its worst wave of measles cases in nearly half a century and there is no end in sight.
The virus was declared eliminated in Canada in 1998. But vaccination rates have declined in Alberta, and around the country in recent years.
"To some extent measles is the canary in the coalmine," said Dr. Cora Constantinescu, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary.
As of Friday, a total of 879 measles cases had been reported in the province since the outbreaks began in March.
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Measles cases in Alberta
Measles transmission is currently occurring in Alberta, affecting individuals of all ages – including infants, children and adults. Most reported cases have been in children under 5 years old and those aged 5 to 17 who are not immunized.
Cases have been reported in all zones of the province, with the highest numbers in the south and central zones. Due to the number of people in these areas who may not be immune to measles, it’s likely that some cases are going undetected or unreported.
Alberta Health Services shares known public exposure locations for the Edmonton, Calgary, Central and North Zones. A standing exposure advisory has been issued for the South Zone.
South Zone
Alberta Health Services has issued a standing exposure advisory for the South Zone due to a significant number of cases and widespread potential exposure risk across the zone. The standing measles exposures advisory will replace the use of site-specific exposure advisories which no longer accurately capture the potential risk at this time in the South Zone.
All South Zone residents, workers, students and visitors should ensure their measles immunizations are up to date. Individuals born in or after 1970 with fewer than two documented vaccine doses are at increased risk and should monitor for symptoms and review their immunization records.
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Measles is surging in Alberta. Which vaccine-preventable disease could be next?
Measles 'canary in the coalmine,' as experts watch for resurgence of illnesses like polio
Jennifer Lee · CBC News · Posted: Jun 16, 2025 3:00 AM CDT | Last Updated: 4 hours ago
Doctors and scientists worry Alberta's measles outbreaks could signal the start of a new era when other dangerous infectious diseases of the past could re-emerge and pose new health threats.
The province is battling its worst wave of measles cases in nearly half a century and there is no end in sight.
The virus was declared eliminated in Canada in 1998. But vaccination rates have declined in Alberta, and around the country in recent years.
"To some extent measles is the canary in the coalmine," said Dr. Cora Constantinescu, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary.
As of Friday, a total of 879 measles cases had been reported in the province since the outbreaks began in March.
...
---------------------------------------------------
...
Measles cases in Alberta
Measles transmission is currently occurring in Alberta, affecting individuals of all ages – including infants, children and adults. Most reported cases have been in children under 5 years old and those aged 5 to 17 who are not immunized.
Cases have been reported in all zones of the province, with the highest numbers in the south and central zones. Due to the number of people in these areas who may not be immune to measles, it’s likely that some cases are going undetected or unreported.
Alberta Health Services shares known public exposure locations for the Edmonton, Calgary, Central and North Zones. A standing exposure advisory has been issued for the South Zone.
South Zone
Alberta Health Services has issued a standing exposure advisory for the South Zone due to a significant number of cases and widespread potential exposure risk across the zone. The standing measles exposures advisory will replace the use of site-specific exposure advisories which no longer accurately capture the potential risk at this time in the South Zone.
All South Zone residents, workers, students and visitors should ensure their measles immunizations are up to date. Individuals born in or after 1970 with fewer than two documented vaccine doses are at increased risk and should monitor for symptoms and review their immunization records.
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