New Updates: Alberta Faces Measles Surge Risking Summer Travel Across Canada And North America, Here’s What Travelers Need To Know

Published on July 11, 2025

As summer approaches and tourist activity is set to peak throughout the province of Alberta, a public health issue begins to gain momentum: the province has the greatest number of per capita measles cases anywhere in all of North America. While the tourist sector of the province gets ready for a lively summer, complete with big events like the Calgary Stampede, health experts are nevertheless cautioning visitors themselves about the rising measles cases, encouraging them to take precautions before attending meetings with mass events.

The State of Measles in Alberta

Alberta has reported a troubling increase in measles infections, with 1,230 confirmed cases since March 2025. This alarming figure has earned Alberta the distinction of having the highest per capita rate of measles in North America. For context, Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, has seen 1,910 cases, but its much larger population dilutes the per capita infection rate.

As Alberta’s largest event, the Calgary Stampede, kicks off, concerns mount over the potential for increased transmission of the virus at the event, as well as at summer camps, family reunions, and other interprovincial travel activities. The highly contagious nature of measles only adds to the anxiety, with experts concerned that these events could provide an environment ripe for further outbreaks.

Measles and Tourism Safety: A Growing Concern

The ongoing measles outbreak in Alberta has significant implications for local, regional, and even global tourism. With Alberta being a key destination for both domestic and international travelers, the outbreak could discourage potential visitors, especially those from countries with higher vaccination rates, from attending large events or exploring the province. This could directly impact the economic benefits that Alberta’s tourism sector usually gains from the influx of visitors during the summer months.

The Calgary Stampede, one of Canada’s most famous festivals, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually from around the world. As tourism professionals closely monitor the unfolding situation, there are growing concerns about how this health crisis could affect both the perception and the safety of tourists. Travelers are advised to review the latest health advisories and vaccination recommendations before arriving in Alberta.

Health officials are urging travelers to ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations before traveling to Alberta, particularly the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Alberta Health Services and the Public Health Agency of Canada have issued several advisories urging caution, and many visitors to the province are being reminded of the risks associated with attending crowded events or visiting areas with reported measles cases.

Global Impact: How the Measles Outbreak Affects Tourism

The Alberta measles outbreak could also have broader implications for tourism across North America and beyond. As travelers from other countries visit Canada, they may inadvertently carry the virus back to their home countries, contributing to further outbreaks. This raises concerns for global public health and underscores the interconnectedness of international tourism and disease transmission.

For example, travelers returning to countries with strict vaccination requirements—such as the United States and the United Kingdom—may face restrictions or even quarantine measures, especially if measles cases are reported upon their return. This would result in a ripple effect of travel disruptions, affecting flight bookings, cancellations, and tourism schedules in affected regions.

Public health officials are working to mitigate the spread of the disease, with quarantine measures in place for certain areas in Alberta. They also emphasize that travelers can play a vital role in controlling the outbreak by staying informed and making the necessary preparations before their trips.

Measles and Public Health: Expert Recommendations for Travelers

Given the highly contagious nature of measles, health experts are urging travelers to take the following precautions:

1. Vaccination: Ensure that you have received the MMR vaccine before traveling to Alberta or attending large events like the Calgary Stampede. The vaccine is safe, effective, and the best defense against measles.
2. Health Monitoring: If you experience symptoms such as a high fever, cough, runny nose, or a distinctive rash, seek medical attention immediately. Travelers should also contact health officials if they suspect they may have been exposed to the virus.
3. Avoid Crowded Areas: If possible, avoid high-density tourist areas, including popular events, until the situation stabilizes. Measles is highly contagious in environments where large groups gather.
4. Stay Informed: Regularly check health advisories from official sources like Alberta Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest updates on the outbreak.
5. Consider Postponing Non-Essential Travel: For travelers who are particularly vulnerable, such as those with weakened immune systems, it may be wise to reconsider travel plans or delay trips to areas with confirmed measles cases.

Tourism Safety and Alberta’s Economic Outlook

Despite the challenges posed by the measles outbreak, Alberta’s tourism industry remains hopeful that the province’s strong tourism infrastructure will allow it to weather this public health crisis. However, the economic effects of an outbreak can be long-lasting, especially if tourists are deterred from attending major summer events.

Government agencies and tourism boards are working together to monitor the situation, communicate with travelers, and implement preventive measures. They are also focusing on strengthening public health communications to reassure potential visitors that their safety is a top priority.

The global tourism community is also watching Alberta closely, as the region’s ability to manage the outbreak will influence how other tourism-dependent regions handle similar challenges in the future.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Travelers

As the measles outbreak hits Alberta, all visitors are recommended to take the following precautions for the sake of their own health and containing the spread of the virus. While the tourist sector continues to recover the momentum lost after the blows of the past, the health of visitors must always remain the first priority. By remaining informed, taking precautions, and following the health guidelines of the authority, visitors can ensure that Alberta remains a destination safe for all, while mitigating the probable impact of the measles outbreak on international travel.