Image Source: CIDRAP - University of Minnesota
A premature newborn in Alberta, western Canada, has died due to measles, marking the first confirmed death linked to the virus since its return in the country over the past year, officials announced on Thursday. Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange confirmed the tragic incident, stating. “A child, born prematurely after the mother contracted measles during pregnancy, died shortly after birth,”
adding that the death was “from measles.”
Authorities previously reported a similar case in June involving another premature infant with measles. However, in that instance, officials did not confirm measles as the direct cause due to other health complications.
LaGrange emphasized that certain populations face a significantly higher danger from the virus, noting: “Children under five, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risks from measles.”
Canada had officially declared measles eliminated in 1998 thanks to widespread vaccination programs. However, the virus has made a strong comeback.
5,006 measles cases have been reported nationwide since early 2025.
Most infections have been recorded in Alberta and Ontario.
88% of cases involved unvaccinated individuals, highlighting a sharp decline in immunization coverage.
The current outbreak began in October 2024 in New Brunswick and has spread rapidly, particularly among Mennonite, Amish, and other Anabaptist communities, where vaccination rates tend to be lower.
Measles is an extremely contagious respiratory virus that spreads through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes.
Common symptoms include:
High fever
Cough and respiratory issues
Red rash
However, the virus can escalate into severe complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and in some cases, death especially in vulnerable individuals like infants. Health officials are urging the public to prioritize vaccinations to prevent further deaths as the country battles one of its worst measles resurgences in decades.
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