Measles Outbreak Grows in Mennonite Communities and Rural Alberta

A measles outbreak is spreading rapidly in Mennonite communities in rural Alberta, where vaccine hesitancy has led to low immun, making the situation more concerning as the virus spreads beyond these insular groups. Public health officials are warning that the broader population may also be at risk due to the decline in vaccination rates across the province since the pandemic. Bow Island, Alberta, home to a large Mennonite community, is witnessing a significant increase in cases, with healthcare workers urging residents to prioritize vaccinations to prevent further spread. The situation highlights the growing challenge of maintaining public health in the face of vaccine resistance and changing public attitudes toward immunization.