Alberta Sees Over 1,000 Measles Cases Amid Ongoing Outbreak

As of June 20, 2025, Alberta has reported over 1,000 cases of measles, marking a significant public health concern as the province grapples with the rising incidence of this highly contagious disease. The majority of cases have emerged in the South Zone, which has recorded 681 infections since March, while the North Zone has reported 207 cases. The Central Zone and the Edmonton area have seen 104 and 7 cases, respectively, with Calgary documenting 20 infections.

The outbreak has spurred Alberta Health Services (AHS) to take proactive measures to combat the spread of measles. Public health officials confirmed that 24 new cases were reported on the same day, contributing to a total of 1,020 known cases since the beginning of the outbreak. AHS has emphasized the importance of immunization, expanding clinic access across the province to increase vaccination rates, particularly in regions with historically lower immunization compliance.

“Alberta’s government takes the current measles situation seriously and continues to closely monitor the outbreak. Public health officials are actively engaged in limiting further spread and supporting affected individuals and families,” stated an official from AHS's Primary and Preventative Health Services. To enhance immunization access, AHS has extended clinic hours and added more locations based on local needs. This initiative follows the launch of the 'Don't Get Measles, Get Immunized' campaign, which has been translated into more than 14 languages and will continue until mid-August.

In addition, AHS has initiated a targeted outreach effort aimed at parents of children aged 6 to 11 months in the South, Central, and North Zones, urging them to bring their children in for early vaccination. The response to this campaign has been encouraging; between March 16 and June 14, over 67,000 measles vaccinations have been administered across Alberta, reflecting a 55% increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, the South Zone has experienced a staggering 130% rise in vaccine uptake.

However, criticism has emerged regarding the provincial government's response to the outbreak. Sarah Hoffman, Alberta New Democrat Shadow Minister for Health, accused the United Conservative Party (UCP) government of failing to adequately promote public health measures, implying that such negligence has led to increased illness among the population. “People are getting sick with this potentially life-altering and deadly disease because the government hasn't taken vaccines seriously,” Hoffman remarked. “The good news is there is an effective vaccine available to all Albertans. Please call 811 to ensure your vaccines are up to date.”

The measles outbreak in Alberta serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vaccination and public health initiatives. For additional information regarding potential exposure or preventive measures against measles, residents are encouraged to visit www.alberta.ca/measles. As the situation continues to evolve, health officials stress the need for community cooperation in vaccination efforts to curtail the outbreak and protect public health.