Dual Health Alerts: TB Outbreak in Edmonton and Alberta's Measles Resurgence
Edmonton's Inner-City TB Outbreak Confirmed
Edmonton's inner-city is currently grappling with a declared tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, officially announced in October 2025. This declaration followed lab confirmations of two inner-city residents sharing the same strain of tuberculosis. As of November 2025, a total of 12 TB cases connected to Edmonton's inner-city and homeless population have been identified this year. It's important to note that only three of these 12 identified cases are confirmed to be part of the declared outbreak, sharing the same strain. Primary Care Alberta (PCA), now responsible for front-line public health services, is leading robust contact tracing efforts. Officials assure the public that this localized outbreak is not considered a risk to the general population at this time, focusing instead on vulnerable communities.
Alberta Experiences Alarming Measles Surge
Across Alberta, public health authorities are also contending with a significant measles resurgence. This provincial situation is part of a larger, multi-jurisdictional measles outbreak across Canada, which began in October 2024. As of November 1, 2025, a staggering 5,162 measles cases have been reported nationwide this year. Alberta has been particularly affected, reporting 1,960 confirmed cases to Alberta Primary and Preventative Health Services by November 8, 2025, giving the province the unfortunate distinction of experiencing the highest number of measles cases per capita in North America. These outbreaks have led to Canada officially losing its measles elimination status on November 10, 2025, a considerable setback since the disease was declared eliminated in 1998.
Responding to the Public Health Challenge
The rise in measles cases disproportionately impacts unimmunized children under five and individuals aged 5-17, straining healthcare resources and affecting labour productivity. The loss of measles elimination status is largely attributed to declining vaccination rates in specific communities, creating pockets of susceptibility. In response, Alberta has administered over 137,000 measles vaccines since March, marking a 50% increase from the previous year. While the Alberta government reports a substantial drop in measles cases since their peak in July, public health experts emphasize the critical need for sustained efforts to achieve and maintain high vaccination coverage to prevent further resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases and mitigate future public health crises.
