Premature baby dies of measles in Alberta outbreak's first death

Alberta is reporting its first measles death since outbreaks of the highly contagious illness began in the province in March.

The province says a baby, who was born prematurely after the mother became sick, died shortly after birth.

"Since measles cases were first reported in Alberta this spring, I had hoped this moment would not come," Adriana LaGrange, the Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services said in an emailed statement, noting she was saddened to share the news.

"I am saddened to share that we have had our first death from measles in the province. A child, born prematurely after the mother contracted measles during pregnancy, died shortly after birth."

Children under five, pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk from meas