Alberta Doctors Warn of "Perfect Storm" as Measles Outbreaks Surge Before School Start

In recent months, Alberta, Canada has been grappling with a significant measles outbreak, with the province reporting a total of 1,472 cases since the outbreaks began in March 2023. Now, as the new school year approaches in September, healthcare professionals are warning of a potential "perfect storm" that could lead to further spread of the highly contagious virus.

Doctors are pleading with parents to ensure their children are vaccinated immediately, stressing that the start of the school year poses a heightened risk. "The best time to do it is now. Don't wait for the start of the school year," said Dr. James Talbot, a former chief medical officer of health for Alberta. Experts are also calling on the provincial government to expand access to an early vaccine dose for babies and to consider requiring proof of immunization in schools.

The doctors warn that the virus, if left unchecked, could make some children very sick. "There's this misconception that measles is a routine illness -- a routine childhood illness -- and it's not," said Edmonton-based pediatrician Dr. Tehseen Ladha. "It's one of the most contagious viruses on earth. And children, pregnant women and immunocompromised people are amongst the groups most vulnerable to it."

With the potential for further outbreaks in schools, the physicians have cautioned that unvaccinated children and staff may need to be sent home for a 21-day quarantine period to contain the spread. The Alberta government, however, has pushed back against the doctors' suggestions, stating that the current measures are sufficient and that the steps proposed are not warranted at this time.