Measles Outbreak in Alberta Claims Newborn's Life, Vaccination Rates Surge
Alberta is grappling with a measles outbreak, with 1910 cases reported since January, including 152 hospitalizations. Tragically, a newborn has died from measles, the first such death in the province this year. This comes as the second measles death reported in America this year.
The infant, born prematurely, succumbed shortly after birth. The mother contracted measles during her pregnancy, highlighting the serious complications measles can cause in expectant women. Measles during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and even death.
Since April, there has been a 52% increase in measles vaccinations in Alberta compared to the same period last year. However, the Alberta NDP's health critic, Sarah Hoffman, has criticized the government's response. She called for easier access to health insurance and better resources for frontline healthcare workers to combat the outbreak effectively.
The Minister of Health, Adriana LaGrange, expressed condolences and emphasized the risk of measles to children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Vaccines are the best protection against measles, but pregnant women are generally advised against vaccines containing the measles virus. The government must now address the concerns raised by Hoffman and work to prevent further measles-related complications and deaths.
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