A premature baby who contracted measles in utero has died in Alberta, the first death associated with the provincial outbreak that has grown to nearly 2,000 cases.

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services, said in a statement on Thursday that the baby died shortly after birth. She did not provide details on the mother’s immunization status.

“Since measles cases were first reported in Alberta this spring, I had hoped this moment would not come,” said Ms. LaGrange.

“This is a heartbreaking loss, and no words can capture the pain of losing a child. My sincere condolences go to the family during this profoundly difficult time.”

This is the second known death linked to the countrywide outbreak of the highly infectious disease.