Premature Baby Dies of Measles in Alberta, Marking Province's First Fatality in Ongoing Outbreak

Tragic Loss in Alberta Amidst Measles Outbreak

Alberta has confirmed its first measles-related death since outbreaks of the highly contagious illness began in the province in March. The fatality involves a premature baby whose mother contracted measles during pregnancy, leading to the infant's death shortly after birth. The news was confirmed by government officials on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

Adriana LaGrange, Alberta's Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services, expressed profound sorrow over the loss. 'This is a heartbreaking loss, and no words can capture the pain of losing a child. My sincere condolences go to the family during this profoundly difficult time,' LaGrange stated.

Measles Complications During Pregnancy

The case highlights the severe dangers measles poses to pregnant individuals and their unborn children. Health officials emphasize that measles during pregnancy can lead to serious complications, including miscarriage, preterm labor, stillbirth, and congenital infection. Children under five, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems are identified as the most vulnerable groups.

The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is not recommended during pregnancy due to its 'live' vaccine nature, which contains weakened versions of the viruses. Therefore, health authorities advise individuals planning a pregnancy to ensure they have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine before conception.

Escalating Measles Cases Across Canada

The baby's death in Alberta is reported as the second measles-related fatality in Canada this year. An earlier death of a premature baby in Ontario in June was also reported, though authorities noted that infant had other medical complications and did not definitively confirm measles as the sole cause.

Alberta has experienced a significant surge in measles cases since March. As of September 27, 2025, the province recorded 1,910 confirmed cases, resulting in 152 hospitalizations and 15 admissions to intensive care units. Across Canada, a total of 5,006 measles cases have been recorded since the beginning of 2025, with a staggering 88 percent of these cases involving unvaccinated individuals. The national outbreak reportedly began in October 2024 in New Brunswick.

Public Health Response and Vaccination Efforts

Experts, including Craig Jenne, deputy director of the Synder Institute for Chronic Diseases at the University of Calgary, have called the baby's death 'heartbreaking' but 'not unexpected' given declining vaccination rates in Alberta. Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Alberta Hospital, described the news as 'tragic,' emphasizing that such cases and deaths are preventable with adequate vaccine uptake.

Alberta Health Minister LaGrange urged Albertans to verify their immunization status and highlighted that measles immunizations have increased by 52 percent compared to the same period last year, following a marketing campaign launched in April. Public health officials continue to encourage vaccination as the most effective protection against measles, especially for those who cannot be immunized, such as young infants.