Two new measles cases reported in Alberta's central zone

With the discovery of two new measles cases in central Alberta, the virus has now found its way into all five of the province's health zones.

Alberta Health reported two more confirmed cases on Thursday. Both of them are in the central zone and both are under the age of 18.

These cases mark the first time during this year's surge that the virus has been reported in that zone. It also means there have now been outbreaks in all five of the province's health zones.

Alberta health data shows 20 cases have now been confirmed, including three in the south zone, two in the Calgary zone, two in the central zone, four in the Edmonton zone and nine in the north zone.

The tally does not include an Ontario resident with measles who recently travelled to the Taber area.

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An Alberta Health spokesperson said on Thursday that, of the 20 cases reported in Alberta, one individual was hospitalized but has since been released, and none of the cases have resulted in death.

The spokesperson added that work is underway to determine the source of the two cases in the province's central zone.

Now that measles cases have been reported in every Alberta health zone, Dr. Sam Wong notes that this indicates the virus is widespread in Alberta and will likely continue propagating, at least for the next little while.

Wong, who's the president of the Alberta Medical Association's Section of Pediatrics, said he's not surprised to see the growing number of cases Alberta has faced because of how vaccination uptake has declined in recent years. He said he hopes Alberta can get case numbers under control before the virus hits less immunized communities.

"There are a few populations in Alberta that do not have very high vaccination rates, in low double digits. I'm afraid that if it hits that [population], then we're going to see huge numbers of measles cases," Wong said.

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Measles is a highly contagious and potentially dangerous virus which  can lead to a number of complications including ear infections, swelling of the brain, pneumonia and even death.

"More than 90 per cent of people who are not immune to measles and who come into contact with the virus will become infected," the Alberta Health website states

Between one and three out of every 1,000 people who are infected will die, according to the province.

Measles symptoms include:

• high fever
• cough
• runny nose
• red eyes
• a blotchy, red rash that appears three to seven days after the fever starts

If the number of measles cases in Alberta keeps climbing, Wong said it makes it more likely the province will see more cases that cause adverse side effects or hospitalizations.

He urged parents to ensure their children are up to date on the recommended vaccines.

"If your child is vaccinated, I think there's less fear of hospitalization and the serious side effects of measles," Wong said. 

"I would suggest that you consider getting your child vaccinated not just for this surge, but there will be more measles surges in the future because of the number of kids who are not vaccinated."

Alberta's routine immunization program recommends children get their first measles dose at 12 months of age and the second at 18 months.

Free measles immunizations for eligible people can be booked through Health Link at 811 or by contacting your local community health centre.

AHS has a web page dedicated to information on potential exposure locations, advisories and immunization information.

Alberta Health posts updates on measles cases on weekdays at 12:30 p.m. here.