Alberta has more measles cases than all of the United States. Halton reports just one case and that was in June

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 1,288 cases so far this year across 39 states, though case numbers are updated weekly with the next update expected on Wednesday.

The outbreak of the highly contagious disease hasn’t led to any deaths so far in Alberta, but three people, including two children, have died in the United States.

The U.S. has also seen more hospitalizations, with the CDC reporting 162 people, or 13 per cent of all cases, being hospitalized compared to 102 Albertans as of earlier this month.

Alberta’s measles dashboard says two people are currently in hospital, including one person receiving intensive care.

Dr. Craig Jenne, an immunology and infectious disease professor at the University of Calgary, says once measles started spreading at the community level, Alberta’s low vaccination rate meant it was only a matter of time before the province surpassed the U.S. in cases.

“This was largely predictable,” he said in an interview.

“It was pretty clear we were going to see growth, unfortunately, for several weeks to months.”

Region of Halton reported a case of measles on June 16, 2025.