Latest news with #UniversityofCalgary
5 hours ago
- Health
Alberta wastewater unlocked key information about COVID-19. Could it help with measles too?
As Alberta's measles outbreaks grow, researchers are now watching the province's wastewater for the highly contagious virus and hoping to determine if the technology could eventually serve as an early detection tool. The magnitude of Alberta's outbreaks and the speed at which cases are climbing has sparked widespread concern. As of midday Tuesday, 1,323 cases (new window) had been confirmed since the outbreaks began in March. Piggybacking off weekly wastewater samples, collected through the provincial COVID-19 surveillance program, the team has designed a test that can identify both the wild type measles virus (indicating actual infection) and vaccine-related shedding in the wastewater. Wastewater surveillance was shown to be very useful globally — internationally — during COVID-19, said Dr. Bonita Lee, a co-lead with the pan-Alberta Network for Wastewater Monitoring, which includes researchers from both the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary. Samples are taken from 12 Alberta wastewater treatment plants sites each week and sent to the provincial lab for analysis. Once the testing for SARS-CoV-2 is complete, the researchers analyze the same samples for measles. Without any additional funding, the team began looking for the virus at the beginning of April, after the first cases were confirmed in Edmonton, according to Lee. They found measles virus signals in the water for that time period and they've since tracked provincial trends. Basically we have a lot of measles activity and it's increasing, said Lee, a professor of infectious diseases in the department of pediatrics at the University of Alberta. Scientists can't identify individual cases through this molecular testing. Instead they get a population-level view, she explained. Enlarge image (new window) Dr. Bonita Lee is a professor of infectious diseases in the department of pediatrics at the University of Alberta and a co-lead with the PAN Alberta Network for Wastewater Monitoring. Photo: Bonita Lee Alberta's official measles case count is widely believed, by doctors and scientists, to be an underestimate. And the provincial government's website (new window) acknowledges cases are likely going unreported and undetected in the hardest hit parts of the province. According to Lee, wastewater monitoring could be most helpful in areas where measles cases may be going undetected and public health officials want to better understand what's happening. It's never useful by itself. It will always be useful as a supplementary surveillance tool, she said. Early detection hopes Dr. Xiaoli Pang recently retired after working as a virologist in the provincial lab for 25 years and leading the wastewater surveillance program. Pang developed the initial SARS-CoV2 wastewater monitoring technology for the provincial lab and she designed the molecular test for measles as well. I believe measles is going to continue — probably getting worse and worse, she said, noting funding for wastewater monitoring has been dwindling since the peak of the pandemic. Our wastewater plays a very important role. So we really need to continue. The incubation period for measles can last up to two weeks, according to Pang, and this has sparked hopes that the technology could lead to earlier detection and provide information that could be used by health officials to take action. With SARS CoV2 monitoring, the team was able to identify peaks one to two weeks before actual case counts would rise, she said. They want to know if wastewater signals will work in the same way for measles. Enlarge image (new window) Dr. Xiaoli Pang is a professor in the department of laboratory medicine and pathology at the University of Alberta. She recently retired after working for 25 years as a virologist in the provincial lab and leading the provincial wastewater surveillanec program. Photo: University of Alberta More research is needed, she said, and it would require access to clinical case information data to determine the science behind how the wastewater signals correlate with actual confirmed case counts. We want to get clinical information … to compare the correlation. Are we really able to do earlier detection and provide useful information to public health [so they can] make some kind of decisions? said Pang, a professor in the department of laboratory medicine and pathology at the University of Alberta. For an effective monitoring program, more frequent sampling would be needed as well, according to the researchers. Alberta's wastewater surveillance program has been scaled back since the peak of the pandemic. Testing is done weekly rather than daily, she said, and they have to wait for access to the samples, which means real-time monitoring for measles is not possible. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, brain inflammation, premature delivery and even death. The vast majority of Alberta's cases are among the unimmunized and more than 100 Albertans have been hospitalized due to the illness this year. The team has shared its early findings with provincial health officials. A spokesperson from the Alberta government confirmed it is aware of the research. Researchers from the University of Alberta have been exploring the use of wastewater surveillance for measles, an emailed statement said. Public health officials are reviewing this data to assess its relevance in the context of the current outbreak. In the long-term, Pang believes wastewater could play a key role in fighting new and emerging pathogens and even help identify the next pandemic. She hopes funding will be increased. Something may be new coming. If something really causes a huge problem in the near future, I think wastewater [will] play some kind of important role, she said. Wastewater we see as a really important complementary tool, especially for pandemic preparation. Jennifer Lee (new window) · CBC News · Reporter Jennifer Lee is a CBC News reporter based in Calgary. She worked at CBC Toronto, Saskatoon and Regina before landing in Calgary in 2002. If you have a health or human interest story to share, let her know.
CBC
10 hours ago
- Health
- CBC
Alberta wastewater unlocked key information about COVID-19. Could it help with measles too?
Social Sharing As Alberta's measles outbreaks grow, researchers are now watching the province's wastewater for the highly contagious virus and hoping to determine if the technology could eventually serve as an early detection tool. The magnitude of Alberta's outbreaks and the speed at which cases are climbing has sparked widespread concern. As of midday Tuesday, 1,323 cases had been confirmed since the outbreaks began in March. Piggybacking off weekly wastewater samples, collected through the provincial COVID-19 surveillance program, the team has designed a test that can identify both the wild type measles virus (indicating actual infection) and vaccine-related shedding in the wastewater. "Wastewater surveillance was shown to be very useful globally — internationally — during COVID-19," said Dr. Bonita Lee, a co-lead with the pan-Alberta Network for Wastewater Monitoring, which includes researchers from both the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary. Samples are taken from 12 Alberta wastewater treatment plants sites each week and sent to the provincial lab for analysis. Once the testing for SARS-CoV-2 is complete, the researchers analyze the same samples for measles. Without any additional funding, the team began looking for the virus at the beginning of April, after the first cases were confirmed in Edmonton, according to Lee. They found measles virus signals in the water for that time period and they've since tracked provincial trends. "Basically we have a lot of measles activity and it's increasing," said Lee, a professor of infectious diseases in the department of pediatrics at the University of Alberta. Scientists can't identify individual cases through this molecular testing. Instead they get a population-level view, she explained. Alberta's official measles case count is widely believed, by doctors and scientists, to be an underestimate. And the provincial government's website acknowledges cases are likely going unreported and undetected in the hardest hit parts of the province. According to Lee, wastewater monitoring could be most helpful in areas where measles cases may be going undetected and public health officials want to better understand what's happening. "It's never useful by itself. It will always be useful as a supplementary surveillance tool," she said. Early detection hopes Dr. Xiaoli Pang recently retired after working as a virologist in the provincial lab for 25 years and leading the wastewater surveillance program. Pang developed the initial SARS-CoV2 wastewater monitoring technology for the provincial lab and she designed the molecular test for measles as well. "I believe measles is going to continue — probably getting worse and worse," she said, noting funding for wastewater monitoring has been dwindling since the peak of the pandemic," she said. "Our wastewater plays a very important role. So we really need to continue." The incubation period for measles can last up to two weeks, according to Pang, and this has sparked hopes that the technology could lead to earlier detection and provide information that could be used by health officials to take action. With SARS CoV2 monitoring, the team was able to identify peaks one to two weeks before actual case counts would rise, she said. They want to know if wastewater signals will work in the same way for measles. More research is needed, she said, and it would require access to clinical case information data to determine the science behind how the wastewater signals correlate with actual confirmed case counts. "We want to get clinical information … to compare the correlation. Are we really able to do earlier detection and provide useful information to public health [so they can] make some kind of decisions?" said Pang, a professor in the department of laboratory medicine and pathology at the University of Alberta. For an effective monitoring program, more frequent sampling would be needed as well, according to the researchers. Alberta's wastewater surveillance program has been scaled back since the peak of the pandemic. Testing is done weekly rather than daily, she said, and they have to wait for access to the samples, which means real-time monitoring for measles is not possible. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, brain inflammation, premature delivery and even death. The vast majority of Alberta's cases are among the unimmunized and more than 100 Albertans have been hospitalized due to the illness this year. The team has shared its early findings with provincial health officials. A spokesperson from the Alberta government confirmed it is aware of the research. "Researchers from the University of Alberta have been exploring the use of wastewater surveillance for measles," an emailed statement said. "Public health officials are reviewing this data to assess its relevance in the context of the current outbreak." In the long-term, Pang believes wastewater could play a key role in fighting new and emerging pathogens and even help identify the next pandemic. She hopes funding will be increased. "Something may be new coming. If something really causes a huge problem in the near future, I think wastewater [will] play some kind of important role," she said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Alberta surpasses the United States in measles cases as outbreak worsens; Know the disease, symptoms, and how to stay safe
Alberta has overtaken the United States in confirmed measles cases this year, with 1,314 infections reported since early March, surpassing the US total of 1,288 across 39 states. The sudden rise has placed Alberta at the center of North America's growing measles resurgence, with public health experts warning the situation could worsen in the months ahead unless urgent steps are taken. The outbreak has not resulted in any deaths in Alberta, but the highly contagious virus has sent 102 people to the hospital, with two still admitted, one in intensive care. In contrast, the United States has recorded three measles-related deaths, including two children and one adult, and 162 hospitalizations, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Craig Jenne, an immunology and infectious disease specialist at the University of Calgary, called Alberta's outbreak 'largely predictable,' pointing to long-standing issues with declining immunization rates. Once the virus began spreading in communities, he said, 'it was pretty clear we were going to see growth, unfortunately, for several weeks to months.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Incredible Deals on Container Homes in Davao City - See the Prices Now! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Dr. Lynora Saxinger of the University of Alberta echoed that concern, describing the speed and scale of the outbreak as deeply troubling. 'It's absolutely appalling and it shouldn't really happen, but it is where we are,' she said. Saxinger, like many other experts, believes the official case counts in both countries are likely underreported, noting that many measles sufferers never seek medical care or testing. 'Those are the minimum numbers,' she said. 'Quite a large number, maybe as many as one in five, will get a bacterial infection after measles. That's not nothing. That's a big deal.' Live Events In the US, the health department has reported the highest number of measles cases in more than three decades, with many of the outbreaks traced to under-vaccinated religious communities in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The majority of American patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccine status. FAQ What is measles? Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus. It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with someone who is infected. The virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. What are the symptoms of measles? Measles symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and often include: High fever (often above 104°F or 40°C) Cough Runny nose Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) A red blotchy rash that typically starts on the face and spreads Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth The illness usually lasts about 1 to 2 weeks. Is measles fatal or dangerous? Yes, measles can be fatal, especially for young children, infants, and people with weakened immune systems. Globally, for every 1,000 people infected, 1 to 3 people may die. Others may suffer serious complications like: Pneumonia Brain swelling (encephalitis) Blindness Deafness Severe diarrhea and dehydration How can I stay safe from measles? Is there a treatment? There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles once infected. Care focuses on managing symptoms, fluids, fever reducers, and treating any bacterial infections that may follow. The best protection is the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Two doses give around 97 percent protection Safe for children, teens, and adults To stay safe: Make sure you and your children are fully vaccinated Avoid close contact with infected individuals Wear masks and maintain hygiene during outbreaks If you suspect exposure, contact your doctor immediately
Edmonton Journal
2 days ago
- Health
- Edmonton Journal
Alberta reports 1,314 confirmed measles cases since March, surpassing U.S. number
Article content EDMONTON — Alberta has surpassed the United States in confirmed measles cases, after 30 new cases were diagnosed over the weekend. Article content The province reported Monday that it has seen 1,314 cases since the beginning of March. Article content Article content 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. Article content Article content 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. Article content Article content 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. Article content Alberta's measles dashboard says two people are currently in hospital, including one person receiving intensive care. Article content 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. Article content 'This was largely predictable,' he said in an interview. Article content 'It was pretty clear we were going to see growth, unfortunately, for several weeks to months.' Article content Article content Jenne said the speed at which measles has and continues to spread in Alberta is concerning. Last week, Alberta reached the highest per capita infection rate in North America, despite outbreaks in other jurisdictions like Ontario or Texas starting months earlier than in Alberta. Article content Article content 'It really is spreading quite easily here,' Jenne said. Article content 'And we've not yet seen significant mitigation of the spread that perhaps some other jurisdictions have been able to manage.' Article content Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist with the University of Alberta, said she expects Alberta's situation to get worse before it gets any better. Article content 'It's absolutely appalling and it shouldn't really happen, but it is where we are,' Saxinger said. Article content 'This whole thing is just really not where I thought we'd be in 2025.' Article content Both Jenne and Saxinger said the actual number of cases on either side of the border is likely much higher than what's been confirmed.
2 days ago
- Health
Alberta's measles outbreaks surpass case counts reported for entire U.S.
Alberta has now confirmed more measles cases than the entire United States has reported this year. The province has been battling outbreaks since March and as of noon Monday, total case counts in the province had ballooned to 1,314. The latest update from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (new window) shows that country has amassed 1,288 cases this year. Looking at the numbers it saddens me, said Dr. Sam Wong, the president of the section of pediatrics with the Alberta Medical Association. I think if we had gotten to it sooner — and taken it more seriously sooner — then maybe we would not have reached this milestone where one province actually exceeds the entire case count for the United States, which has got 10 times the population as Canada. Thirty new cases were reported between midday Friday and noon Monday. It's absolutely terrible, said Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist with the University of Alberta. It is really a massive scale of spread that's going on right now. It is widely believed by experts and health officials that Alberta's case counts are higher than the confirmed numbers reflect. A standing exposure advisory remains in effect for the entire south zone and parts of the north due to widespread transmission. And the Alberta government's measles website (new window) says cases are likely going unreported and undetected. Saxinger worries about the impact of large summer gatherings such as the Calgary Stampede, which just ended on Sunday. I don't think we've seen a suggestion of things levelling off and now there's large meetings of people and after that school will be back in. So I think there's still a period of serious vulnerability to increasing numbers for a while, said Saxinger. As an infectious diseases specialist I never would have guessed this was going to happen because measles is supposed to be eradicated. The south, north and central health zones have been the hardest hit by outbreaks. According to provincial data (new window) , there had been 102 hospitalizations, including 15 ICU admissions, as of July 5. No deaths have been reported. The latest national statistics (new window) shows 58 per cent of the new cases reported during the week of June 22 to June 28 were in Alberta. We know that per capita we have more measles cases in Alberta than really anywhere else in North America, said Craig Jenne, a professor in the department of microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Calgary. We have heard stories that there may be underreporting in the U.S. but even the fact that we're close to those numbers is quite concerning given we have almost a hundredth the population. Enlarge image (new window) Craig Jenne is a professor in the department of microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Calgary. He's also the deputy director of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases. Photo: Fournie par Craig Jenne Transmission rate The latest case breakdown shows there have been a total of 774 cases in the south zone, 35 in Calgary zone, 107 in central zone, 13 in the Edmonton zone and 385 in the north. Perhaps the more concerning aspect, at least for me, is not the total number of cases, it's how quickly we've gotten here, said Jenne, who is also the deputy director of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases. Alberta's measles outbreaks have snowballed more quickly than Ontario's, which started in October, according to Jenne. That province, which has three times the population of Alberta, had confirmed 1,934 as of July 8, with another 310 probable cases. It is growing much more rapidly here…[The] rate of transmission is very concerning. Mass immunization clinics Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, premature delivery and even death. Young children, pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. I'm really afraid that we're going to see terrible outcomes in babies and kids under five because that's the most vulnerable group across the board, said Saxinger. She's calling on the provincial government to take key steps to rein in the outbreaks, including setting up mass vaccination clinics and campaigns. I think there can be a lot of unintended barriers for people who even want to get their vaccines updated…It can be really hard to book actually getting it, she said. Saxinger also wants the province to target school-aged children for vaccination before they head back to school in the fall. And, like other physicians, Saxinger is calling on the province to offer an early and extra vaccine dose to babies as young as six months old in all regions. The extra shot is only being offered in the south, central and north zones. CBC News asked the government for a response but did not immediately hear back. Pregnant Albertans, who are at high risk as well, need to know they should seek help if they've potentially been exposed, according to Saxinger, and vaccine messaging in general needs to be improved. I think it really has to be a big priority for elected officials to remind people, because not everyone watches the news [and] not everyone gets the same information. Jennifer Lee (new window) · CBC News · Reporter Jennifer Lee is a CBC News reporter based in Calgary. She worked at CBC Toronto, Saskatoon and Regina before landing in Calgary in 2002. If you have a health or human interest story to share, let her know.
