Canada Reports First Death Amid Ongoing Measles Outbreak

Canada has experienced its first fatality related to the recent resurgence of measles, a highly contagious viral disease. The incident involved a premature infant born in Alberta, who succumbed to the disease shortly after birth. The mother had contracted measles during pregnancy, which contributed to the child's premature birth and subsequent death. This tragic event marks the first recorded death linked to the current measles outbreak in Canada, which has seen over 5,000 cases since October 2024.

Earlier in June, another premature infant with measles died, but the cause was not definitively attributed to the virus due to other medical complications. Officials have emphasized that children under five, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk from measles.

Canada, which had declared measles eliminated in 1998 thanks to widespread vaccination programs, is now facing a significant public health challenge. The current outbreak primarily affects the provinces of Alberta and Ontario, with most cases (around 88%) occurring among unvaccinated populations.

The outbreak began in October 2024 in New Brunswick and has notably impacted Mennonite, Amish, and other Anabaptist communities, where vaccination rates tend to be lower. Measles is transmitted through respiratory droplets and can cause symptoms such as fever, rash, and respiratory issues. Serious complications include pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death.

Health authorities warn that unvaccinated populations and vulnerable groups face increased risks, urging increased vaccination efforts to curb the spread of the disease.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-canada-death-linked-measles-epidemic.html