Measles outbreaks are raging in Alberta, Canada, where the province reported a 25-fold increase in measles infections. As of June 12, Alberta had a total of 996 confirmed measles cases. After decades of inaction, health officials are waking up to the hazards this presents to pregnant people and babies. The outbreak has highlighted the danger to unimmunized pregnant Albertans and their newborns. They are more likely to experience complications from the disease.
Health authorities warn that pregnant women who are not vaccinated against measles are one of the most vulnerable populations. Infants under six months of age are especially vulnerable, as they have not developed their own immunity yet. In this case, the administration of immune globulin—a short-acting antibody medication—can confer temporary protection from measles exposure.
Impact on Pregnant Individuals
Dr. Amber Reichert, maternal-fetal medicine expert She even raised alarm over how the outbreak is affecting pregnant people. She noted, “We’re extremely concerned about the potential for exposures for unimmunized mothers, in particular during pregnancy, given that there is an increased risk for premature birth and complications that are pretty significant for the mother.”
The data show there were 20 verifiable measles cases among pregnant people throughout the province. Fewer than five have needed hospitalization from their measles infection, health officials are on alert. The heightened risk for pregnant women is alarming, as Dr. Castillo pointed out, “There is a ten-fold higher risk of death when a person who is pregnant gets measles.”
Complications from measles can reach far past death or grave injury. Dr. Reichert elaborated on potential outcomes, stating, “There is an extremely high risk to either pregnancy loss or potentially an early birth or potentially the babies becoming infected as well.” It is this last concern that is most acute. If a mother gets the infection in the final weeks of her pregnancy, her baby may be born with congenital measles.
Vulnerability of Infants
Unimmunized mothers will subsequently pass on the risk of congenital measles to infants born to them. It’s a serious health condition that can lead to dangerous complications. Congenital measles … Alberta reported less than 5 cases in 2025. Each one of the impacted mothers had missed vaccinations. In comparison, Ontario has had seven such cases since mid-October.
Dr. Castillo emphasized the seriousness of this issue: “Those babies can be very, very sick.” It is critical to ensure that infants are protected against measles infection, which can have grave consequences. It can cause pneumonia and encephalitis, both of which can kill or permanently damage a child.
Environmental health officials are most alarmed by the lack of public awareness about these risks. Dr. Castillo remarked, “We have not had a concerted public health response, particularly to raise awareness about how serious it can be for babies and pregnant individuals.” Particularly during this outbreak, the need for stronger messaging to promote vaccination and highlight its significance is essential.
Long-term Health Risks
Measles has repercussions that go far beyond the immediate risks of infection. The most worrisome long-term outcome is the possible emergence of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis or SSPE. This infrequent but devastating neurological disorder may develop as long as 10 years after an individual has had measles. Health professionals warn that the repercussions of measles can be devastating. As Dr. Reichert stated, “It’s a devastating consequence because it really isn’t treatable.”
With the outbreak spreading, health authorities are focusing on an aggressive vaccination and awareness campaign to protect the most vulnerable populations. Dr. Castillo noted, “Everyone is concerned this is going to be happening for months at a time,” underscoring the need for proactive measures to mitigate the spread of measles.
