Southern Alberta sees sharp increase in measles cases

Alberta Health says there are 18 new cases of measles in the south zone, bringing the total measles cases in the province to 159 since the start of March.

Alberta Health reported more than a dozen new cases of measles in the south health zone of the province over the weekend.

According to the latest data, as of noon on Monday, 18 new cases of the illness were found in the region.

Three cases were also confirmed in the north zone, while one was discovered in the central zone.

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The 22 new cases mean that Alberta has seen 159 cases of measles so far this year, with the majority of those being in children between five and 17 years old (38) and those less than five years old (97).

Nine Albertans have been admitted to hospital for treatment of measles. Ninety-five of the measles patients in the province were not vaccinated against the illness.

The measles vaccine is available, free of charge, to all Alberta children as part of their regular routine immunization schedule.

Any adult Alberta seeking to acquire a measles vaccination can do so online.