Alberta has become the second Canadian province, after Ontario, to cross more than 1,000 confirmed measles cases in 2025

Health officials confirmed 24 new infections within a single day, bringing the total to 1,020 by Friday noon(June 20). Of those, 25 cases remain active. Though no deaths have been reported in Alberta, experts warn the situation is becoming more serious, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Alberta’s Primary and Preventive Health Services Ministry confirmed that at least one baby has been born with congenital measles. While exact numbers were not shared, officials stated there were “fewer than five” such cases, all involving unvaccinated mothers. Additionally, 20 pregnant individuals have contracted measles, with fewer than five requiring hospitalization.

What is measles?

Measles is highly contagious but largely preventable through vaccination. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine offer nearly complete protection. Experts say 95 percent vaccine coverage is necessary to achieve herd immunity, a benchmark many areas in Alberta still fall short of.

Dr. James Talbot, Alberta’s former chief medical officer of health, says the 1,000-case milestone is a warning sign: “If the measures were working, we’d see the numbers going down and we wouldn’t see spread to new areas. And both of those are happening.”

Talbot expects a summer spike in infections as travel increases, warning that cities like Edmonton, which had avoided major outbreaks, could soon see a rise.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) reported the first new Edmonton cases on Friday since early May, just a day after warning of exposures in the city, including at the Stollery Children’s Hospital on June 18 and 19.

Anyone born in or after 1970 with fewer than two documented MMR doses may be at risk.

Alberta has administered more than 67,000 measles vaccine doses, a 55 percent increase over the same period last year. In the South Zone, uptake rose 130 percent. Still, health experts worry that if immunization rates don’t improve, more severe outcomes such as brain damage, miscarriage, and death could follow.

According to national data, between one and three in every 1,000 measles patients die. Another one in 1,000 may develop encephalitis, a potentially fatal brain inflammation.

Situation in Ontario

Ontario, the first province to pass 1,000 cases in April, now reports nearly 2,180 cases, including six congenital infections and one infant death. Combined, Ontario and Alberta now account for more than 90 percent of all measles cases in Canada this year.

“If we don’t act faster,” Dr. Talbot warns, “Canada could lose its measles elimination status by October, a public health achievement held since 1998.”

For now, AHS urges anyone experiencing symptoms, fever over 38.3°C, cough, red eyes, or a rash, to call the measles hotline (1-844-944-3434) before visiting clinics or hospitals.