Alberta has recorded its initial measles fatality since the onset of outbreaks of the highly transmissible disease in the region in March. The province revealed that a premature baby, whose mother contracted measles while pregnant, passed away shortly after birth.
Adriana LaGrange, the Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services, expressed sorrow over the unfortunate incident, stating, “Since the emergence of measles cases in Alberta earlier this year, I had hoped we would not face this situation. I regret to announce the first measles fatality in the province.”
Individuals under the age of five, expectant mothers, and those with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to measles infections. The contraction of measles during pregnancy can result in severe complications, such as miscarriage, premature labor, stillbirth, and congenital infection.
The baby is among seven infants diagnosed with congenital measles this year in the province. Congenital measles arises when the infection is transmitted by the mother in the final two weeks of pregnancy, potentially leading to critical complications in the infant, including brain inflammation and fatality.
LaGrange emphasized the importance of vaccination, especially for those considering starting a family. She urged individuals planning a pregnancy to ensure they have received two doses of the measles-containing vaccine before conception, as vaccination during pregnancy is discouraged.
Health experts have long cautioned about the gravity of the measles outbreaks, which have surpassed case counts for the entire United States this summer. The recent fatality is a tragic illustration of the risks associated with measles infections, with 1,914 confirmed cases in Alberta since March, resulting in hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions.
Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Alberta Hospital, described the baby’s death as “heartbreaking” and highlighted the preventable nature of such tragedies through adequate vaccination and combating misinformation.
While specific details about the baby’s death and the mother’s measles contraction remain undisclosed, experts underscored the significance of achieving herd immunity and enhancing outbreak control measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals in the community.
The province initiated a measles public awareness campaign in April, leading to increased immunization rates compared to the previous year. Health authorities, including Dr. Sam Wong, president of the pediatrics section at the Alberta Medical Association, emphasized the importance of robust immunization messaging and vigilance against measles misinformation.
Dr. Saxinger urged Albertans to critically assess vaccine-related information and emphasized the historical success and safety of vaccines in preventing measles-related fatalities.