Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed concern over Canada losing its measles elimination status, attributing the challenge to the difficulty of controlling the highly contagious disease due to unrestricted interprovincial and international travel. Smith emphasized the collective responsibility to prevent the disease’s spread and highlighted the government’s transparency in promptly communicating outbreak information.
Alberta and Ontario have recorded the highest number of measles cases in Canada this year, with Alberta reporting almost 2,000 cases and Ontario close to 2,400. The severity of the situation is underscored by over 150 hospitalizations in Alberta, including the tragic death of an infant due to measles contraction during pregnancy.
The Pan American Health Organization recently revoked Canada’s measles elimination status after cases of the same strain circulated for over a year. To regain this status, Canada must achieve a full year without transmission of the strain.
Smith commended Alberta’s efforts to contain the outbreak through a successful vaccination campaign, targeting communities with lower vaccination rates like Mennonite and Hutterite communities. The province witnessed significant increases in vaccine uptake in these areas.
Opposition NDP health critic Sarah Hoffman criticized the government for not appointing a permanent chief medical officer of health, emphasizing the importance of effective public communication and awareness campaigns for diseases like tuberculosis. Hoffman highlighted the NDP’s advocacy for increased awareness and access to vaccinations to protect public health.