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EDMONTON — Alberta has reported its first measles-related death since outbreaks of the illness began in March, as case counts near 2,000 across the province.
Health officials say a baby, born prematurely after the mother contracted measles during pregnancy, died shortly after birth. No details about the family’s location or immunization status were released.
“Since measles cases were first reported in Alberta this spring, I had hoped this moment would not come,” Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange said in a statement. “This is a heartbreaking loss, and no words can capture the pain of losing a child. My sincere condolences go to the family during this profoundly difficult time.”
LaGrange said children under five, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk. Measles during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, preterm labour, stillbirth and congenital infection. She urged Albertans to check their vaccination status, noting anyone planning a pregnancy should ensure they have received two doses of measles vaccine before conception.
Since March, 1,914 measles cases have been confirmed in Alberta, including 152 hospitalizations and 15 intensive care admissions. Between one and three of every 1,000 people infected die from the disease, according to provincial data.
The death is the second in Canada this year. Ontario reported in June that a premature baby died after contracting measles in utero.
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