Alberta’s top public health doctor reminding public to get their measles vaccine

Dr. Mark Joffe speaks to the media about an E. coli outbreak linked to multiple Calgary daycares in Calgary, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. Alberta

EDMONTON – Alberta’s top doctor for public health says officials are working to contain the spread of measles as case counts continue to rise.

Health officials say there are 58 confirmed cases of measles in Alberta and that they are paying close attention to rising case counts within the south and central zones.

Chief medical officer of health Dr. Mark Joffe says 48 of the cases are likely past the point of being contagious, but that does not necessarily reflect community risk.

Dr. Mark Joffe speaks to the media about an E. coli outbreak linked to multiple Calgary daycares in Calgary, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. Alberta’s top doctor for public health says officials are working to contain the spread of measles as case counts continue to rise. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

He says measles is more serious than other common childhood illnesses and is reminding Albertans to make sure they’ve been immunized.

The Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association has been calling for the government to do more to stop the spread of the illness, citing low vaccination rates and a lack of public updates.

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange said earlier this week that Joffe didn’t think the outbreak was dire enough to warrant a public address.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 11, 2025.