Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are notifying the public of a new measles exposure site in Steinbach. Anyone at the location on the specified date and times is asked to monitor for symptoms until the identified date.
- Bethesda Regional Health Centre emergency room at 316 Henry St., Steinbach, on Dec. 9 from 1:25 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monitor symptoms until Dec. 31.
Public health is also asking anyone who was at this location during the specified times to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV).
For individuals who were exposed at this location and were born in 1970 or later, and have never received a measles vaccine and have never had a measles infection:
- Measles vaccine is recommended.
- Reduce exposures with others, especially anyone who has a weakened immune system or is unimmunized, from the fifth day after exposure to the 21st day after the latest exposure.
- Watch for symptoms of measles until the date that corresponds with their situation as indicated above.
- Certain people should not get the measles vaccine including infants younger than six months of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. These individuals should contact their health-care provider or public health as they may be eligible for preventative treatment (within six days of exposure).
- Close contacts may be asked by public health to isolate and consider vaccination.
Further information on measles, exposures and immunization is available at gov.mb.ca or individuals can contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free in Manitoba.
