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Alberta surpasses the United States in measles cases as outbreak worsens; Know the disease, symptoms, and how to stay safe
Alberta surpasses the United States in measles cases as outbreak worsens; Know the disease, symptoms, and how to stay safe

Time of India

time6 days ago

  • Health
  • Time of India

Alberta surpasses the United States in measles cases as outbreak worsens; Know the disease, symptoms, and how to stay safe

Alberta has overtaken the United States in confirmed measles cases this year, with 1,314 infections reported since early March, surpassing the US total of 1,288 across 39 states. The sudden rise has placed Alberta at the center of North America's growing measles resurgence, with public health experts warning the situation could worsen in the months ahead unless urgent steps are taken. The outbreak has not resulted in any deaths in Alberta, but the highly contagious virus has sent 102 people to the hospital, with two still admitted, one in intensive care. In contrast, the United States has recorded three measles-related deaths, including two children and one adult, and 162 hospitalizations, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Craig Jenne, an immunology and infectious disease specialist at the University of Calgary, called Alberta's outbreak 'largely predictable,' pointing to long-standing issues with declining immunization rates. Once the virus began spreading in communities, he said, 'it was pretty clear we were going to see growth, unfortunately, for several weeks to months.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Incredible Deals on Container Homes in Davao City - See the Prices Now! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Dr. Lynora Saxinger of the University of Alberta echoed that concern, describing the speed and scale of the outbreak as deeply troubling. 'It's absolutely appalling and it shouldn't really happen, but it is where we are,' she said. Saxinger, like many other experts, believes the official case counts in both countries are likely underreported, noting that many measles sufferers never seek medical care or testing. 'Those are the minimum numbers,' she said. 'Quite a large number, maybe as many as one in five, will get a bacterial infection after measles. That's not nothing. That's a big deal.' Live Events In the US, the health department has reported the highest number of measles cases in more than three decades, with many of the outbreaks traced to under-vaccinated religious communities in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The majority of American patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccine status. FAQ What is measles? Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus. It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with someone who is infected. The virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. What are the symptoms of measles? Measles symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and often include: High fever (often above 104°F or 40°C) Cough Runny nose Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) A red blotchy rash that typically starts on the face and spreads Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth The illness usually lasts about 1 to 2 weeks. Is measles fatal or dangerous? Yes, measles can be fatal, especially for young children, infants, and people with weakened immune systems. Globally, for every 1,000 people infected, 1 to 3 people may die. Others may suffer serious complications like: Pneumonia Brain swelling (encephalitis) Blindness Deafness Severe diarrhea and dehydration How can I stay safe from measles? Is there a treatment? There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles once infected. Care focuses on managing symptoms, fluids, fever reducers, and treating any bacterial infections that may follow. The best protection is the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Two doses give around 97 percent protection Safe for children, teens, and adults To stay safe: Make sure you and your children are fully vaccinated Avoid close contact with infected individuals Wear masks and maintain hygiene during outbreaks If you suspect exposure, contact your doctor immediately

Alberta's measles outbreaks top case counts reported for entire U.S.
Alberta's measles outbreaks top case counts reported for entire U.S.

CBC

time7 days ago

  • Health
  • CBC

Alberta's measles outbreaks top case counts reported for entire U.S.

Social Sharing Alberta has now confirmed more measles cases than the entire United States has reported this year. The province has been battling outbreaks since March and as of noon Monday, total case counts in the province had ballooned to 1,314. The latest update from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that country has amassed 1,288 cases this year. "Looking at the numbers it saddens me," said Dr. Sam Wong, the president of the section of pediatrics with the Alberta Medical Association. "I think if we had gotten to it sooner — and taken it more seriously sooner — then maybe we would not have reached this milestone where one province actually exceeds the entire case count for the United States, which has got 10 times the population as Canada." Thirty new cases were reported between midday Friday and noon Monday. "It's absolutely terrible," said Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist with the University of Alberta. "It is really a massive scale of spread that's going on right now." It is widely believed by experts and health officials that Alberta's case counts are higher than the confirmed numbers reflect. A standing exposure advisory remains in effect for the entire south zone and parts of the north due to widespread transmission. And the Alberta government's measles website says cases are likely going unreported and undetected. Saxinger worries about the impact of large summer gatherings such as the Calgary Stampede, which just ended on Sunday. "I don't think we've seen a suggestion of things levelling off and now there's large meetings of people and after that school will be back in. So I think there's still a period of serious vulnerability to increasing numbers for a while," said Saxinger. "As an infectious diseases specialist I never would have guessed this was going to happen because measles is supposed to be eradicated." The south, north and central health zones have been the hardest hit by outbreaks. According to provincial data, there had been 102 hospitalizations, including 15 ICU admissions, as of July 5. No deaths have been reported. The latest national statistics shows 58 per cent of the new cases reported during the week of June 22 to June 28 were in Alberta. "We know that per capita we have more measles cases in Alberta than really anywhere else in North America," said Craig Jenne, a professor in the department of microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Calgary. "We have heard stories that there may be underreporting in the U.S. but even the fact that we're close to those numbers is quite concerning given we have almost a hundredth the population." Transmission rate The latest case breakdown shows there have been a total of 774 cases in the south zone, 35 in Calgary zone, 107 in central zone, 13 in the Edmonton zone and 385 in the north. "Perhaps the more concerning aspect, at least for me, is not the total number of cases, it's how quickly we've gotten here," said Jenne, who is also the deputy director of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases. Alberta's measles outbreaks have snowballed more quickly than Ontario's, which started in October, according to Jenne. That province, which has three times the population of Alberta, had confirmed 1,934 as of July 8, with another 310 probable cases. "It is growing much more rapidly here…[The] rate of transmission is very concerning." Mass immunization clinics Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, premature delivery and even death. Young children, pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. "I'm really afraid that we're going to see terrible outcomes in babies and kids under five because that's the most vulnerable group across the board," said Saxinger. She's calling on the provincial government to take key steps to rein in the outbreaks, including setting up mass vaccination clinics and campaigns. "I think there can be a lot of unintended barriers for people who even want to get their vaccines updated…It can be really hard to book actually getting it," she said. Saxinger also wants the province to target school-aged children for vaccination before they head back to school in the fall. And, like other physicians, Saxinger is calling on the province to offer an early and extra vaccine dose to babies as young as six months old in all regions. The extra shot is only being offered in the south, central and north zones. CBC News asked the government for a response but did not immediately hear back. Pregnant Albertans, who are at high risk as well, need to know they should seek help if they've potentially been exposed, according to Saxinger, and vaccine messaging in general needs to be improved.

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