As of noon on Friday, there were 210 confirmed cases of measles reported across Alberta with 26 of those reported as being active.
Alberta Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange, announced the updated numbers Monday; adding 178 these cases have been in the centre or southern health zones.
“What is concerning is 179 cases are impacting children under the age of 18,” LaGrange says. “As a mother and a grandmother, I feel for the guardians of those children as they watch their children deal with this horrible virus.”
She added the province is taking the measles outbreaks seriously and is taking steps to improve access to vaccinations and information the community needs to protect themselves from measles. These efforts include additional immunization appointments being added and the expansion of immunization clinic access in both the central and south zones as of Monday.
According to a release from the province, “Clinics in the central zone will now have walk-in availability, including some with evening measles-specific clinics and additional Saturday availability. In the south zone, both evening and weekend appointments are being added.”
The provincial Health Minister adds getting immunized against measles is the single most important thing someone can do to protect themselves and others from measles.
“By expanding access to vaccines and reaching more Albertans with this advertising campaign, we hope more Albertans will protect themselves.”
On Monday the province also announced HealthLink811 will be introducing a dedicated measles hotline, that will fast-track people being able to get information about measles by calling 1-844-944-3434. This hotline can be used to help people access their immunization records, provide advice for those experiencing measles symptoms and help with booking a measles immunization appointment or find a public health clinic that is offering the immunization shot.
The province also is planning to expand their awareness campaign next week. The province-wide ‘Don’t get measles. Get Immunized’ awareness campaign will be running as of mid-March across radio, print, digital, and social media platforms. According to LaGrange, the campaign will be translated into over 14 languages to reach those across the province whose first language is not English. As well there is a toolkit being developed to share with daycare providers to help educate guardians with the information they need to protect their children.
Interim Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sunil Sookram says this the one of the largest outbreaks of measles the province has seen in roughly 40 years.
“When fewer people are protected, measles spreads—and the risks go up. Immunization is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from measles. Get immunized against measles now and help prevent the spread. Help protect your communities,” Sookram says.
According to Monday’s update, almost 90 per cent of all cases confirmed in Alberta were not immunized. However, the province is reporting a 67 per cent increase in the number of people immunized from last year.
