The emergency department of the Rockyview General Hospital is pictured in Calgary, Thursday, March 20, 2025.The Canadian Press
The death of a premature baby in Alberta, linked to a preventable measles infection, has reignited urgent calls from doctors to boost vaccination rates across the province.
According to the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), the child’s mother contracted measles during pregnancy, leading to tragic complications. It is the province’s first recorded measles-related death this year and the second in Canada in 2025.
Dr. Brian Wirzba, the newly appointed AMA president, described the incident as a “stark reminder” of the consequences of vaccine hesitancy. “We are deeply saddened by this loss and know the family is heartbroken,” he said in a statement.
Low Immunization Rates Worsen Outbreak
Alberta continues to record one of the highest measles infection rates in North America. In July, the province had the most measles cases per capita across the continent.
As of Friday, Alberta’s website reported 1,917 confirmed cases this year, with three currently active and communicable. The United States, by comparison, has recorded 1,544 confirmed cases as of this week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Wirzba expressed concern that Alberta’s outbreak has persisted far longer than it should have, largely due to lagging vaccination rates. “We understand misinformation is fueling vaccine hesitancy,” he said. “Many people are being actively targeted with false claims.”
He also praised health-care workers for their dedication in caring for the infant. “Our thoughts are with the medical team who showed compassion and commitment through this devastating case,” he added.
Officials Urge Albertans to Act
Primary and Preventative Health Minister Adriana LaGrange said efforts are being made to reverse the trend. Since Alberta launched its vaccination awareness campaign in April, measles immunizations have risen by 52 percent compared with the same period last year.
Despite that progress, LaGrange emphasized that measles remains a serious threat, especially to pregnant individuals and young children. She urged those planning pregnancy to get vaccinated before conception.
“By doing so, you protect yourself and those who are most vulnerable around you,” she said.
Opposition Pushes for Stronger Measures
Opposition NDP health critic Sarah Hoffman criticized the United Conservative government for not doing enough to prevent the outbreak. She called for expanded vaccine access and more resources for frontline health workers.
“Alberta needs stronger public health leadership,” Hoffman said, urging the province to make vaccination more accessible to all families.
A Preventable Tragedy
Health experts say measles is one of the most contagious yet preventable diseases, with the vaccine offering more than 95 percent protection.
Doctors stress that the baby’s death should serve as a painful wake-up call for the province. “This loss was preventable,” Dr. Wirzba said. “We cannot allow misinformation to put more lives at risk.”
Officials have not disclosed when or where in Alberta the death occurred, citing privacy concerns.
