Alberta babies have been born with measles due to outbreaks, worrying doctors
CBC
As the province's measles case count approaches 1,000, health experts are raising the alarm about Alberta babies who are being born already infected with the virus.
The provincial government has confirmed cases of congenital measles, which can lead to severe complications, including death, have already occurred as a result of this year's outbreaks. Pregnant Albertans are also testing positive.
"Fewer than five cases of congenital measles have been reported in Alberta in 2025. In each case, the mother was not immunized. Information on whether the infants were born prematurely is not available," an official with Primary and Preventative Health Services said in an email.
"To date, there have been 20 confirmed cases of measles in pregnant individuals. Fewer than five have been hospitalized due to the infection."
The Alberta government does not publish this information publicly. CBC News asked for the data after Ontario reported a premature baby, born infected with measles, died. That province has reported seven cases of congenital measles since mid-October.
When CBC News asked for more detailed data, an official said the province limits the release of information when case numbers are very small for privacy reasons. The data was up-to-date as of June 12.
No measles deaths have been reported in Alberta since the outbreaks began this year.
As of June 14, a total of 85 Albertans had been hospitalized due to the infection, including 14 intensive care unit admissions.
By midday Thursday, the province's total measles case count had climbed to 996.
Pregnant individuals are at higher risk of complications from measles.
"We're extremely concerned about the potential for exposures for unimmunized mothers, in particular during pregnancy, given that there is an increased risk for premature birth and complications that are pretty significant for the mother," said Dr. Amber Reichert, an Edmonton-based neonatologist.
"There is an extremely high risk to either pregnancy loss or potentially an early birth or potentially the babies becoming infected as well."
A recent editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal warned of these serious consequences.
Premature birth itself comes with risks, including underdeveloped lungs and babies requiring breathing support.
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