Alberta is reporting almost 40 new cases of Measels in the province, bringing to total 365 cases since early March.
30 of the new cases are in the southern zone of the province, which has over half of the total cases.
As of earlier this month, 19 people have been hospitalized, with three children in intensive care.
Dr. James Talbot, former chief medical officer of health for Alberta, said that official figures are “likely much higher” than reported due to measles contagiousness.
The recent outbreaks across Canada since March have put the infections elimination status at risk, which is the absence of continuous disease transmission for 12 months.
Due to the rapid spreading of the infection, the province is launching a new vaccination campaign, with the slogan “Don’t get Measles — Get Immunized.”
Children and youth are most at risk of getting infected by measles, with 73% of cases from people aged under 17. 48% of reported cases are children 5-17.
