‘It didn’t have to be this way’: Medical professionals respond to losing measles elimination status

Outbreaks of measles across the country, including in Alberta, have caused Canada to lose its measles elimination status.

The Alberta Medical Association (AMA) representing doctors, residents and medical students is among those expressing disappointment in Canada losing its measles elimination status.

Canada was declared measles-free in 1998 however an outbreak that began in New Brunswick in October 2024 persisted and spread, hitting Alberta and Ontario the worst.

While Ontario has seen the highest total cases at 2,393 as of November 1, Alberta has had the highest number per capita.

The latest numbers posted Friday show 1,954 cases confirmed in the province since March, the majority in the South and the North zones.

“It didn’t have to be this way,” said an AMA statement on Canada losing its measles-free status.

“This is the result of persistent misinformation and disinformation that continue to undermine public confidence in vaccines.”

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Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is nearly 100 per cent effective in preventing transmission according to the Government of Canada.

Alberta reports 1,740 of the 1,946 people who caught the virus as of Nov. 1 were unvaccinated.

“When immunization rates fall below the threshold needed for community protection, measles is often the first to return, but it won’t be the last,” said the AMA statement.

“Uptake of other routine childhood vaccines is also declining, leaving our communities vulnerable to a resurgence of preventable diseases.”

Provincial response

A statement sent to CTV News Edmonton from the Primary and Preventative Health Services ministry said that while some areas continue to have lower immunization coverage “this is not unique to Alberta” and reflects “a nationwide challenge.”

In response it states public health officials implemented targeted vaccination campaigns and expanded clinic hours resulting in a 50 per cent increase in MMR immunizations compared to the same period last year.

It said it continues to promote vaccination and is “hopeful” the numbers will remain low, pointing out there have never been more than five patients in hospital at any time.

Last month, Alberta reported its first measles death since the outbreak started in a baby who was born prematurely after their mother contracted measles during pregnancy.

The AMA said measles is “the most contagious infectious disease on the planet” and can cause “devastating” complications.

It adds Canada losing its elimination status reinforces the “critical need for strong, proactive public health leadership.”