As September ushers in a new school year across the globe, health officials in both Alberta, Canada and Helsinki, Finland are grappling with the challenges of protecting children from highly contagious respiratory viruses. While Alberta faces a stubborn measles outbreak that has outpaced even the United States in case counts, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) is rolling out a cutting-edge antibody treatment to shield infants from the annual threat of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Both efforts highlight the evolving landscape of pediatric public health—and the delicate balance between medical innovation, community vigilance, and the unpredictability of viral outbreaks.
In Alberta, the numbers tell a sobering story. Since March 2025, the province has recorded a staggering 1,826 measles cases, according to data from the Public Health Agency of Canada. Seven new cases were reported over the recent long weekend, all concentrated in the northern zone. Though the overall weekly trend is finally pointing downward after a July peak, Alberta continues to identify more measles cases per week than any other province in the country.
“There are still measles cases around the province but the number of new cases is decreasing, which is a good sign,” Dr. Karina Top, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Edmonton’s Stollery Children’s Hospital, told CBC. She credits the drop in cases to a recent uptick in vaccinations and concerted efforts by public health officials. “We did see an uptick in people getting their [measles] vaccines earlier in the summer and so I think it’s thanks to those people and the efforts of public health to help get people vaccinated that we’re starting to see a down trend in the number of new cases.”
Despite this progress, the risks remain all too real. As of August 23, 152 Albertans have been hospitalized since the outbreaks began, with 15 requiring intensive care. One patient is currently in hospital, but, thankfully, no deaths have been reported so far this year.
For doctors on the front lines, the return to classrooms this week brings fresh apprehension. Infectious diseases like measles thrive when people gather indoors—especially in environments like schools. Dr. Sidd Thakore, a pediatrician at Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary, has seen firsthand the severe complications measles can cause, including pneumonia and brain swelling. “Will we see another spike because of that? Time will tell. But it’s such a contagious virus for those that have symptoms that are going to be around people who are not vaccinated, there’s definitely a much higher risk for us to see those numbers go up again,” Thakore warned in an interview with CBC.
The science behind that concern is chilling. Measles is an airborne virus that can linger for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. “If a child is in a classroom with measles, within a couple of hours they’ll expose every other child in that classroom that is not protected against measles ... and anyone who goes into the classroom for two hours after that child has left could also get measles,” explained Dr. Top, who also serves as a professor of pediatrics at the University of Alberta.
Doctors across Alberta are urging families to double-check their immunization records and keep sick children at home. The latest provincial data shows that, in 2024, measles vaccination rates among young children remained below the crucial 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. That’s a serious gap, given that two doses of the vaccine offer nearly 100% protection. Most of the recent cases have been among unvaccinated individuals, underscoring the continued vulnerability in some communities.
Meanwhile, nearly 7,000 kilometers away in Finland, Helsinki University Hospital is taking a proactive approach to a different—but equally formidable—pediatric foe: RSV. Starting September 4, 2025, HUS began administering nirsevimab, a preventive antibody treatment, to all newborns and infants under 12 months, free of charge. The program covers newborns in HUS maternity hospitals as well as high-risk infants treated at the New Children’s Hospital, Jorvi Hospital, and Hyvinkää Hospital.
“Nirsevimab gives effective protection throughout the entire winter epidemic season,” said Tea Nieminen, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at the New Children’s Hospital, according to Helsingin Sanomat. “Hospitalisation of a baby is always a difficult experience for families. We are extremely happy that we can offer this option to our patients.”
The treatment is voluntary and consists of a single injection, suitable even for the youngest infants. Nirsevimab was first introduced in Finland during the 2024–2025 winter season, when it was offered to both newborns and high-risk groups. The results were dramatic: about 90% of infants under three months received the antibody, and hospital data showed a 70% reduction in RSV-related admissions at HUS hospitals.
The impact of nirsevimab isn’t limited to Finland. Since its international rollout in 2023, studies from several countries have demonstrated that the antibody can reduce RSV-related hospitalizations by 80–90%. That’s a game-changer, considering that RSV is the leading cause of respiratory infections resulting in hospitalization for babies worldwide. While RSV is usually mild in older children and adults, it can cause severe breathing difficulties in infants, often necessitating inpatient care.
RSV typically makes its rounds during the colder months, spreading through droplets and contaminated surfaces. Infants under six months are particularly vulnerable, as their immune systems are still developing. By offering nirsevimab to all newborns and high-risk infants, HUS aims to ease the burden on pediatric wards during the winter surge and spare families the distress of hospital stays.
The contrast between Alberta’s and Helsinki’s approaches is striking, but both reflect a broader trend in modern public health: the need for vigilance, innovation, and community engagement in the face of evolving viral threats. In Alberta, the measles outbreak has highlighted the dangers of declining vaccination rates and the speed at which highly contagious diseases can spread in under-immunized populations. The province’s experience stands as a cautionary tale for regions where vaccine hesitancy or access issues persist.
In Finland, the rapid adoption of nirsevimab is an example of how medical advances—when paired with robust public health infrastructure—can dramatically reduce the toll of infectious diseases. The voluntary nature of the program, and its high uptake among new parents, also speaks to the importance of clear communication and trust between health authorities and the public.
Both stories underscore a simple truth: when it comes to protecting the youngest and most vulnerable members of society, there’s no room for complacency. Whether it’s ensuring up-to-date measles vaccinations in Alberta or embracing new preventive tools like nirsevimab in Helsinki, the stakes are high—and the outcomes depend on the collective actions of individuals, families, and communities.
As the world’s children return to classrooms and prepare for another winter, the lessons from Alberta and Helsinki are clear: vigilance, science, and a willingness to adapt are the best defenses against the invisible threats that linger in the air.
