Alberta not doing enough to prevent ‘dangerous’ spread of measles, worries former CMOH

A former chief medical officer of health, Dr. James Talbot, is warning of a smoldering danger on Alberta’s landscape: a measles outbreak.

Dr. Talbot, who was the CMOH until 2015, is calling out the Alberta government for what he sees as a lackadaisical effort to prevent the spread.

“We are at a danger level when more than five per cent of the people aren’t immunized. In Alberta, currently the number of people who aren’t immunized is estimated to be around 30 per cent. That is six times the danger level,” Dr. Talbot said.

Alberta reported 58 confirmed cases of measles on Friday, eight more that a day prior.

According to Alberta Health Services, measles is an extremely contagious disease that can cause seizures, blindness and brain damage. It also has a death rate of roughly two for every 1,000 infections.

“If god forbid, a child dies from measles, I would be asking myself if we did everything we could do, and right now the answer is no, we are not doing everything,” added Dr. Talbot.

The former CMOH says the government needs a new plan to increase vaccinations including catch-up clinics. He also believes that the current CMOH Dr. Mark Joffe should be addressing the public regularly.

Dr. Joffe has not appeared at a government press conference since 2023, although he issued a statement Friday encouraging vaccines.

“In light of the measles outbreaks across the province, I want to remind all Albertans that these outbreaks are highly preventable,” Dr. Joffe said.

“Albertans can protect themselves and those around them by ensuring their measles immunizations are up to date. Immunization with measles-containing vaccine is the single most important public health intervention to prevent measles. This is especially true for parents of children aged two and younger, who are more susceptible to severe outcomes as a result of contracting measles.”

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange, meanwhile, has not posted about measles on her X account for almost a year.

“When I was there, CMOH would stand for Chief Medical Officer of Health, now it seems to stand for Clandestine Medical Officer of Health,” Dr. Talbot said.

Earlier this week, LaGrange said that Dr. Joffee is free to address the public when he feels it is appropriate, suggesting measles needs to become more widespread first.

“We are continuing to work with communities that have a very low vaccine rate, because sometimes that is localized. We are going to continue to make sure Albertans have the information they need to make decisions for themselves and their families,” the health minister said.

NDP leader Naheed Nenshi alleges the government is choosing politics over public health. He is openly encouraging parents to get their children vaccinated immediately.

“We need a public health officer who just tells the public a very simple thing. The minister won’t do it, the premier won’t do it, either they don’t believe in it themselves or they’re afraid of alienating their base. So, I’m going to do it: parents, this is preventable. You do not want your child to get measles,” Nenshi told reporters Thursday at the legislature.

More than half of the cases are in central zone – which includes the communities of Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House and Lloydminster.

The government has a dedicated webpage – alberta.ca/measles – where the public can find case numbers, exposure locations and how to get vaccinated.