Alberta is currently experiencing its largest measles outbreak since 1987. Since March, Granada’s health ministry has confirmed 265 cases. As cases have risen, public health officials have focused harder than ever on pandemic-fighting strategies, trying to limit the virus’s spread. Dr. Sunil Sookram, Alberta’s interim chief medical officer of health, has emphasized the need for stronger messaging and increased access to vaccinations to protect the population.
The south and central zones of Alberta, in particular, are in crisis. The south has reported 154 cases and the central region, 75. Three of the patients under 18 are now in intensive care due to complications from measles. Fortunately, there hasn’t been a single death reported from the virus in Alberta this year.
Health regulators attribute the surge in measles cases to a decline in vaccination rates. The reality is that parts of the province are already facing this crisis. Even as misinformation about vaccine safety continues to spread, many communities are still unimmunized or under-immunized. Dr. Sookram added that meeting these communities where they are and disseminating science-based information is crucial to establishing trusting relationships.
Urgent Response to Rising Cases
Given the shocking number of cases—the highest in North America—the Alberta government is stepping up its response to the outbreak. Expanded access to immunizations is being facilitated by adding more appointments at clinics located in the affected south and central zones. In addition, a new measles hotline has been established to address concerns regarding vaccination status and provide guidance for individuals displaying symptoms.
Dr. Sam Wong, president of the section of pediatrics at the Alberta Medical Association, shared with his alarm. That much more powerful, immediate action should have happened a long time ago, he says. He remarked, “Now you have outbreaks in these smaller areas of central zone and south zone. Maybe that could have been prevented.” Whether or not his comments were politically motivated, Dr. Wong’s comments are indicative of growing agreement among health professionals that proactive measures are key to controlling this outbreak.
Dr. James Talbot, a former chief medical officer of health for Alberta, welcomed the provincial government’s new messaging regarding the dangers of measles and the importance of vaccinations. He stated, “My concern is that if we don’t get this right that we’re going to see deaths.” Talbot pressed for a more holistic strategy. He cautioned that Edmonton, Calgary and the north could be next to experience such outbreaks if we don’t put the right measures in place.
Community Engagement and Education
By focusing attention on community interactions, health officials are laying the groundwork for a powerful tactic in the fight against vaccine misinformation. Dr. Sookram reiterated that vaccination rates are lagging in many severely impacted communities. This decrease is due to safety concerns, cultural perceptions, and rampant misinformation. He stated, “It really is how do we develop trusting relationships with those communities that are under-immunized or unimmunized?”
We’re removing barriers to vaccine access so more people can easily get vaccinated. In the coming weeks, we’ll debut an advertising campaign to educate the public through radio, print, digital, and social media platforms. To ensure that all critical information is accessible to Alberta’s diverse communities, the campaign will be translated into 14 different languages.
The province is recommending that all babies who reside in or visit one of the identified zones be vaccinated against measles. They suggest an earlier and more doses to provide even greater protection. This new effort will help strengthen immunity among the youngest and most vulnerable to infections before they are even able to receive the vaccines themselves.
Looking Ahead
As Alberta meets this ongoing, significant measles outbreak, public health professionals are moving quickly to limit the measles spread and resulting effects. Dr. Sookram reassured that they are now implementing active immunization programs to prevent further cases from occurring. He cautioned that it could be a while before we start seeing positive impacts. “It’ll take a couple of weeks to months to see the fruits of that effort,” he stated.
We are exploring options for the creation of measles assessment and treatment centers. Today’s announcement is just one step in a larger effort to begin to more effectively address the needs of people impacted by this outbreak. Alberta Health Services (AHS), the provincial health authority, is working in concert with the ministry. Combined, they are building the ability to implement new or expanded services at a moment’s notice once intervention thresholds are crossed.
Despite the issues put forth by the ongoing measles outbreak, health officials remain hopeful. They are hopeful that more intentional vaccination will better shield the community and help stop the spread of the virus. As Dr. LaGrange noted, “Getting immunized against measles is the single most important thing you can do to protect your loved ones and yourself and your community.”
