US COVID activity falling

Another child has died from measles in Canada, this time a premature infant from Alberta, which has been experiencing a steep rise in cases since the spring, Canada-based Global News reported yesterday. 

The child was born prematurely after the mother contracted measles, the news outlet said, citing provincial health officials. Alberta has recorded 1,914 measles cases since March, of which 1,706 involved unvaccinated children.

The death appears to be Canada’s second in a child. Earlier this year, the Public Health Agency of Canada reported a congenital measles death of an Ontario baby who was born prematurely and had other underlying health conditions.

Canada is the worst affected of North American countries, reporting brisk measles activity and 5,006 cases this year (4,646 confirmed), according to the government’s latest data. Ontario was the focus of earlier activity, but most of the recent cases have been reported from Canada’s western provinces.

Mexico this year has reported 19 deaths from measles, and the United States has reported 3, according to the latest update from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Community transmission suspected in South Carolina

In other measles developments, the South Carolina Department of Public Health yesterday confirmed an outbreak in the Upstate region. Of the state’s eight cases this year, five patients became ill over the past month and are part of the newly identified outbreak.

Officials said all are unvaccinated and do not have immunity from earlier measles infection. The group added that the outbreak patients are following isolation guidance.

Linda Bell, MD, state epidemiologist, said two of the patients have an unknown infection source, which suggests unrecognized community spread. “We anticipate more cases will be identified and implore community members to act responsibly. If you are ill, stay home,” she said.