A Calgary doctor who last encountered measles 44 years ago is advocating for vaccination against this highly contagious disease.
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FILE - A vial of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is displayed at the Lubbock Health Department on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. Dr. James Dickinson, a seasoned family physician and professor at the University of Calgary's department of family medicine, recalls his last measles patient vividly. "The last case I treated was on the day my son was born," he shared with 660 NewsRadio. "He's 44 years old now.
" During that time, Dr. Dickinson made a house call to an 8-year-old girl seriously ill with measles and suffering from a high fever. He emphasizes that, both then and now, treatment options are limited to managing the symptoms. He cautions against hospitalizing infected individuals due to the risk of spreading the disease. "In the past, I could care for that child because I had measles as a child, so I was immune. However, contracting measles to gain immunity is risky.
Vaccination is the safer choice," he explained. Fortunately, the young girl, like most individuals infected with this highly infectious illness, recovered. Dr. Dickinson notes, however, that many encounter complications, which can be particularly severe for those with weakened immune systems and can even be fatal. "Measles is a serious illness; it can indeed be deadly and lead to significant complications," he stated. "One in ten develops pneumonia or ear infections, and one in a thousand can suffer encephalitis, which might result in permanent neurological damage." He underscored the importance of herd immunity in preventing the spread of infection, stating, "This emphasizes why vaccination is crucial. We face ethical dilemmas when parents say they don't want their child vaccinated. It's vital to protect not just your own child, but their friends and community as well." As Alberta faces rising cases of measles, the provincial government is maintaining a low profile. Recent data shows 83 cases are no longer contagious, while six new active cases were confirmed, including four in central Alberta, one in the south, and one in Calgary. At least eight individuals have been hospitalized. While Alberta Health Services has issued a public health alert, the province has largely refrained from commenting on the outbreak. Health Minister Adriana LaGrange has indicated that the situation does not warrant significant public communication, although former interim Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mark Joffe has urged for vaccinations in a statement released on April 11. Following Joffe's departure, Dr. Sunil Sookram was appointed as the new interim CMOH. His predecessor, Dr. James Talbot, criticized the government's response to the measles outbreak, asserting that approximately 30 percent of Albertans lack immunization, which he views as "six times the danger level." "The risk of transmission is quite high, as individuals can be contagious before displaying symptoms," Dr. Dickinson warned. "Children can transmit the virus during the incubation period and for several days before and after the rash appears." Expressing his concern about the increasing number of measles cases in Alberta, he lamented, "It's disappointing to witness this preventable suffering in children. Vaccination could halt this spread, and achieving around 95 percent immunization coverage would significantly reduce transmission.