Experts urge Albertans to check measles vaccine status after confirmed Edmonton case
A confirmed case of measles in Edmonton has prompted another plea from health officials for people to make sure vaccinations are up to date.
"Because measles is so very transmissible, you need very high levels of protection to reduce the risk of breakthrough infection and going forward transmission in the community," infectious disease specialist Dr. Lynora Saxinger told CTV News Edmonton on Thursday.
"It's not harmful to get a dose if you're not sure [if you've been vaccinated.]"
Measles will often start with cold-like symptoms -- a running nose, itchy eyes and fever before the tell-tale rash appears.
The initial symptoms are when you're most contagious.
Officials say while the majority of people who get measles will be okay -- there's a risk for brain injury and even death.
There's also concern over the impact a measles outbreak could have on an already strained health care system.
"It will impact access to surgeries for every Albertan. It'll impact access to hospital care, cancer care you name all the components of the health care system that we're already having some difficulty and struggling with, it’ll make it infinitely worse," Alberta Medical Association president Dr. Paul Parks said.
The most recent data from Alberta Health from 2022 shows an 82 per cent coverage rate against measles.
Saxinger says that's not enough.
"Eighty per cent sounds OK. But for this particular disease, it is simply not enough. So I think that we would have real concerns that there could be pockets of under-vaccinated, under-protected people where this could spread."
A spokesperson says the 2023 data won't be made public until sometime this summer.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.