Standing advisory for measles transmission remains in effect

Measles transmission continues across Alberta, with the south zone still reporting the highest number of confirmed cases and under a standing exposure advisory due to sustained spread.

Alberta Health Services says site-specific alerts are no longer being issued in the region and warns that some infections may go undetected or unreported.

As of Monday, 774 cases have been confirmed in the south zone. Most infections are in children under five and those aged five to 17 who are not immunized. Alberta Health urges all residents, workers, students and visitors in the zone and beyond to ensure their measles immunizations are up to date.

Across the province, there are now 1,314 confirmed cases of measles. Of these, 13 are currently considered communicable. One patient is hospitalized in intensive care and one is in non-ICU care.

Based on July 5 statistics from Health Canada, Alberta accounts for 32 per cent of reported measles cases, with only Ontario having more. 

From an international perspective, Alberta has more cases than the total reported in all of the United States. As of July 9, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms 1,288 cases across the U.S., with more than 700 being in Texas.

The disease — also known as rubeola — is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles outbreaks have occurred both within Alberta and globally, with transmission confirmed in all areas of the province.

To support public response, Alberta Health Services has launched a measles hotline at 1‑844‑944‑3434. The line is available for people to check their immunization records, assess symptoms or book a vaccination appointment.

Free measles-containing vaccines are available at public health centres for eligible individuals. Alberta Health recommends those who cannot be immunized — such as infants, pregnant people and those with certain medical conditions — limit contact to vaccinated individuals and avoid indoor gatherings in affected communities.

The province has stated that exposure locations are now being publicly listed only for Edmonton, Calgary, central zone and parts of the north zone. 

AHS continues to track cases by age group. As of July 14, the majority of confirmed cases were in children and teenagers — 382 in children under five and 571 in those aged five to 17. Adults aged 18 to 54 accounted for 355 cases, while six were in people 55 and older.

Officials caution that the number of reported cases may not reflect the true level of community risk. Some individuals may be infected but undiagnosed or unreported. The period of communicability — the time in which a person can transmit measles to others — is determined individually by public health teams.

For more information on the measles outbreak and vaccine eligibility, visit Alberta Health Services.