Dear Members,
Yesterday Alberta broke a long-standing record and it is one we neither wanted nor expected to break. We surpassed the 1985 peak of 843 cases of measles in the province with 868 cases. Think of that: the highest numbers seen in 50 years. These are across the province, but mostly in South Zone where the situation is so dire that the public message from government is: just assume that you have been exposed, wherever you go.
This should not be happening and did not need to happen. We know that these outbreaks continue to expand. Canada has until October to demonstrate that local transmission is under control, or we risk losing our measles-elimination status (that we have enjoyed since the 1990s). I am doubtful that can occur in this province by then, but we have to try.
As the virus spreads, it is taking a toll on our acute care system. There have been 75* people hospitalized this year. Patients with measles, and families worried about measles, are presenting in our emergency departments. Of course we will care for them — and no one should stay away if they need care — but we are seeing increased strain on ERs and hospitals already. We do not need longer emergency department waits or more critically ill inpatients, particularly the little ones who are most vulnerable. (*In an email version of this letter earlier today, the number of hospitalizations cited was incorrect. 75 since January is the number currently reported by government.)
Immunization is the only way to prevent further unnecessary life-threatening illness and further instability for acute care. Let’s get the word out every way we can.
Your stories can help!
To make our advocacy more powerful, we are launching a tool called Report My Story. This is a simple, secure text line designed for AMA members to report real experiences and tell patient-care stories from daily practice.
Anonymized stories pack a punch. If you witness a patient or family hit hard by measles, text 587-401-9591 (24/7). No app download required — just save the number in your contacts for quick access. (To guard against bogus reports, AMA staff will work with submitters to verify membership.)
Your stories about the damage that measles can cause will help us be more persuasive with the public and continue to advocate for resources, policies and improvements that may be necessary.
Sincerely,
Shelley Duggan, MD, FRCPC
President, Alberta Medical Association
I have seen no cases at all, and I believe that this is a lot of hype being drummed up and that when using a comparison like 1985, I wonder what was the population then and what was the demographic of the population at that time as compared to now. How many people were living in the same household as compared to now. How many have been travelling back and forth to country of origin. This would surely affect the virulence and the epidemiology. I’d be careful about submitting a compilation of anecdotal evidence; I can see where that would help to facilitate your agenda though of good intentions and hoping to satisfy the greater good argument.