Alberta confirms 1,314 measles cases, overtaking the U.S. total. Experts warn of rapid spread, underreporting, and call for urgent mass immunization.
Alberta Reports North America’s Highest Measles Total
Alberta has now recorded more measles cases than the entire United States in 2024. As of Monday at noon, the province confirmed 1,314 cases—exceeding the U.S. total of 1,288 reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreaks began in March and have since intensified across multiple regions of Alberta.
Medical Experts Raise Alarms Over Case Spike
Thirty new cases were reported between Friday and Monday, highlighting an ongoing surge. Pediatricians and infectious disease specialists say the outbreak has reached unprecedented levels. Dr. Sam Wong, pediatric section president with the Alberta Medical Association, expressed regret over missed early intervention. “We now have one province with more cases than a country ten times our size,” he said.
South, North, and Central Zones Hit Hardest
The south zone leads with 774 infections, followed by the north (385) and central (107). Calgary and Edmonton zones have reported 35 and 13 cases, respectively. Provincial data shows 102 hospitalizations, including 15 ICU admissions. No deaths have been reported to date.
Underreporting and Exposure Risks Remain
Alberta Health confirms many cases may be undetected or unreported. A province-wide exposure advisory remains in effect for the south and parts of the north. “We haven’t seen signs of this levelling off,” said Dr. Lynora Saxinger of the University of Alberta. “Large gatherings and back-to-school season could worsen the spread.”
Urgent Need for Mass Vaccination Campaigns
Health professionals are calling for province-wide immunization clinics, easier vaccine access, and early-dose programs for infants. Currently, the extra vaccine is only available in the hardest-hit zones. “Barriers to access still exist,” Saxinger added. “We must act before school resumes.”
Government Says Strategy Is Working
The Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services maintains its efforts are showing results. A spokesperson stated that case numbers have declined for four consecutive weeks and currently stand at 13 active cases. Vaccine clinic hours have expanded in high-risk areas, and the Don’t Get Measles, Get Immunized campaign will run through mid-August.
Public Health Still Urges Vigilance
Despite the provincial update, health experts remain cautious. “The transmission rate here is accelerating faster than Ontario’s,” said Dr. Craig Jenne, an infectious disease expert at the University of Calgary. “We’re approaching a tipping point if preventive measures aren’t scaled up.”
For vaccine clinic info and latest advisories, visit: alberta.ca/measles
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