Photo credit: globalnews.ca
Alberta Faces Measles Outbreak Amidst Calls for Action
Health Minister Adriana LaGrange has indicated that the current measles outbreak in Alberta is not severe enough for the province’s chief public health officer, Dr. Mark Joffe, to make a public statement, despite increasing demands for governmental intervention to curb the spread of the disease.
On Tuesday, Alberta Health Services reported seven new cases of measles, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the province to 43 since the beginning of March. These cases have been detected across all five provincial health zones, including locations such as Airdrie, Calgary, Edmonton, Fort Vermilion, and Lethbridge. For updated figures, the provincial health website provides daily updates.
The Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association has criticized the government for its perceived lack of action, advocating for a vaccination campaign to inform and protect the public. They argue that better communication from officials is crucial to address the situation effectively.
During a recent press conference, LaGrange acknowledged the association’s concerns but did not commit to the proposed vaccination strategy. Instead, she relayed that Dr. Joffe believes the situation does not yet require a public address. “When Dr. Joffe feels it’s necessary, he will certainly communicate with the public,” she stated, adding that local health officials are currently focused on providing necessary support to the affected communities.
Calls for Public Health Engagement Grow
The association, which represents various health professionals, highlighted Alberta’s inadequate vaccination rates as a primary factor contributing to the outbreak. They pointed out that less than 70% of the population had received two doses of the measles vaccine by the age of two in 2023.
“Two vaccine doses are nearly 100% effective at preventing infection,” the medical association emphasized.
LaGrange revealed that the majority of the most recent cases originate from Alberta’s central zone but refrained from sharing detailed location information. She mentioned that the government’s website is a resource for Albertans seeking information about measles and the outbreak.
Opposition NDP health critic Sarah Hoffman urged for a proactive public address to avert further escalation of cases. She stressed the need for public health authorities to actively promote vaccination to protect individuals and their communities. “We were at a place where we had zero cases, and we can achieve that again,” she stated.
The health department’s website also features a chart that tracks case numbers by region and age group, currently indicating that 39 of the confirmed cases are individuals under 18 years of age.
Symptoms of measles typically include a high fever exceeding 38.3°C, followed by a red rash that appears several days after fever onset. Additional signs include coughing, a runny nose, and red eyes. Once eradicated in Canada in 1998, measles has resurged, primarily attributed to declining vaccination rates.
The medical staff association has reiterated the serious complications associated with measles, including pneumonia and encephalitis, which can lead to severe neurological issues.
“It is extremely contagious, spreading through the air, even after an infected person has exited a space,” they noted.
Symptoms can manifest four days before a rash appears, prompting Alberta Health Services to advise any individuals experiencing symptoms to remain home and contact Health Link at 811 prior to seeking in-person healthcare.
Source
globalnews.ca