Keep babies, high risk Albertans away from Stampede due to measles, doctors caution – CBC
1.3 million visitors expected at Stampede as Alberta outbreaks continue to grow
Jul 04, 2025
As the Calgary Stampede kicks off, health experts are warning about the risk of measles exposure and are urging parents with babies and unimmunized children — along with other vulnerable Albertans — to sit this one out.
The Stampede attracts travellers from all over Alberta and around the world. This year organizers expect more than 1.3 million people will attend.
This annual event comes at a time when the province is battling its worst measles outbreaks in nearly half a century. As of noon Thursday, 1,179 cases had been reported since the outbreaks began in March.
“That’s a lot of people over 10 days in a concentrated area and that’s where the risk factor is,” said Dr. Sam Wong, president of the section of pediatrics with the Alberta Medical Association.
