Alberta health officials have issued a public alert following a confirmed measles exposure at a major Edmonton hospital, as the province continues to grapple with a significant outbreak that began last year.
Outbreak Numbers and Hospital Exposure
The total number of measles cases in Alberta since the outbreak began in March 2025 has now reached 2,042. Provincial data shows there were 28 newly confirmed cases as of January 16, 2026. As of last Friday afternoon, health authorities reported one new case and 14 active infections.
The immediate cause for the new public alert is a confirmed case of measles at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. Primary Care Alberta issued the warning on Thursday, January 16, 2026.
The alert states that an individual, while infectious, was present in the hospital's cafeteria and main foyer on January 9, 2025, from 7:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Anyone who was at those locations during that time and was born in or after 1970 with fewer than two documented doses of the measles vaccine is considered at risk and should monitor for symptoms.
Government Response and Vaccination Campaign
In a statement to Postmedia, Maddison McKee, press secretary to the Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services, said the rise in cases is not unexpected given the ongoing measles activity. She indicated that most new cases involve transmission within a small number of families.
“Measles transmission has occurred primarily in some smaller communities with historically lower vaccination rates, with no significant spread across most of the province, including all major cities,” McKee stated.
She pointed to the province's “Don’t Get Measles, Get Immunized” campaign, along with expanded clinic hours and provincewide outreach, as key measures to boost immunization rates. Public health officials assert they are taking proactive steps to limit further spread.
Political Criticism and National Context
The situation has drawn criticism from the opposition. Alberta NDP Hospital and Surgical Health Services critic Sarah Hoffman called the increasing case numbers “dangerous” and “scary.” At a press conference, she criticized the government's handling of public health and low vaccination rates.
“I continue to be disappointed in how the government deals with public health, they could show leadership by meeting with leaders across the province who are especially close and connected to the areas where vaccine rates are particularly low,” Hoffman said.
On the national stage, Alberta currently has the second-highest number of reported measles cases in Canada. It sits behind Ontario, which had reported 2,376 cases (2,061 confirmed and 315 probable) as of January 6, 2026.
Health officials are urging all Albertans to check their vaccination history. Those potentially exposed at the Royal Alexandra Hospital or who are unsure of their immunization status should contact their healthcare provider or local public health unit immediately.
