Urgent Call for Measles Vaccinations as Outbreaks Rise in Alberta

LAKELAND – As of March 19, no cases of measles have been reported in the local areas of Lac La Biche, Smoky Lake, St. Paul, Bonnyville, Cold Lake, or Frog Lake, but health officials are sounding the alarm on the region's low vaccination rates. With recent outbreaks surfacing in larger cities like Edmonton, Calgary, and Taber, and additional cases reported in the North Zone, public health authorities are urging residents to verify their vaccination status and consider getting up to date with their immunizations.

Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, presents with severe symptoms including fever, cough, and runny nose, followed by a distinctive red, blotchy rash appearing three to seven days after the fever kicks in. What's alarming is that individuals infected with measles can be contagious up to four days before showing any symptoms, increasing the risk of widespread transmission.

Dr. Mark Joffe, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, has emphasized the seriousness of measles, warning that it is not just a mild childhood illness. “Measles can have devastating consequences, and thankfully, we have an effective vaccine that is proven to be safe,” he stated. Health authorities are particularly concerned for pregnant individuals, as measles can lead to complications such as miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight, among other serious risks.

The ramifications of measles infection extend beyond complications in pregnancy; they can also include severe pneumonia, permanent hearing loss from ear infections, brain inflammation, diarrhea, and seizures for anyone affected. Alarmingly, according to Health Canada, over 90% of individuals who encounter the measles virus without immunity can become infected. To effectively prevent outbreaks, a vaccination coverage of at least 95% in the population is crucial.

In Alberta, the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is provided at no cost and is typically administered to children at 12 and 18 months of age. Thankfully, public health services are on standby, ready to assist residents in confirming their vaccination records. “Residents can call us to check their status, or they can view their immunization records through My AHS Connect,” explained Anita Beetch, a registered nurse with public health in Lac La Biche. She encourages individuals to make appointments as soon as possible, stating, “We have availability within the week; the best approach is to check your vaccination status and book an appointment that fits your schedule.”

The vaccination rates are concerning, especially in specific areas of Lakeland. Data for children born in 2021 shows that only 69% of children province-wide had received both doses of the MMR vaccine by their second birthday. However, in St. Paul, this rate drops to just 51%, while Smoky Lake reports 52%, Lac La Biche 53%, and Frog Lake 55%. Better vaccination rates were seen in Bonnyville and Cold Lake, where 67% and 70% of children are vaccinated, respectively.

For school-aged children born in 2016, the stats are marginally better, with 63% in St. Paul having received their second dose by age seven, yet the vaccination rates in Frog Lake, Smoky Lake, and Lac La Biche remain closely tied to the younger cohort’s numbers.

In light of the growing risk of measles outbreaks, Alberta Health Services (AHS) recently mailed letters to parents of students attending St. Paul Education schools on March 19 to underscore the importance of vaccination and the potential dangers of measles. With rising concerns, it's evident that prompt action is essential to avert a public health crisis. Don’t wait—check your vaccination status today!