FORT MCMURRAY, AB — Measles cases continue to rise in Alberta, prompting Alberta Health Services (AHS) to issue a public alert and request that schools in our region distribute an information letter to parents and caregivers.
The latest outbreak includes confirmed cases in Edmonton, Calgary, Little Red River Cree Nation, and most recently, Taber. In Edmonton, AHS has identified potential exposures at a northside medical clinic and, most alarmingly, at the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
Health Minister Adriana LaGrange says the province is committed to keeping the public informed as cases increase. “We’re continuing to put the information out to the general public,” LaGrange said. “We’ve seen vaccine hesitancy, not just in Alberta, but right across Canada and globally. So we’re giving information out as much as possible.”
In the AHS letter being sent to parents, they talk of the severity of the vaccine-preventable disease, warning that “measles is very contagious and is easily spread through the air.” The letter explains that symptoms typically appear 8 to 12 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to develop. These symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a blotchy rash. Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, seizures, and in rare cases, brain inflammation or death.
“The best protection against measles is to get immunized,” the letter states. “In Alberta, measles-containing vaccines are available free of charge for eligible individuals.”
Parents unsure of their child’s immunization status are encouraged to check with Health Link at 811 or through their My Health Record account.
If a case is confirmed at a school, AHS will work with staff to prevent further spread. Measles cases are increasing globally, with numerous countries and travel destinations reporting outbreaks, including the United States, Europe, and Canada. the letter warns. In 2025, outbreaks have been reported in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
According to Health Canada, measles is fatal in approximately one in every 500 cases.