Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are notifying the public of significant transmission and exposure to measles across the province, with many new cases linked to Manitoba Ag Days, held from Jan. 20 to 22 at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. Dozens of cases are currently under investigation among people who attended Ag Days and reside throughout Manitoba. As a result, the province has posted additional measles exposure locations at gov.mb.ca.

Additionally, community transmission of measles has now been reported in the Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region. Manitoba Public Health is expanding its measles outbreak eligibility criteria for an early dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine to include infants aged six to under 12 months who reside in or who travel regularly to and have close contacts with residents in PMH. Infants residing in or travelling to Southern Health – Santé Sud and Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority regions were already eligible for this early dose and remain so. In addition, it is important that children also receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine after they reach 12 months old as part of the routine immunization schedule (first dose at 12 months of age and the second dose at four to six years of age).

Any large event taking place in the province over the next few months should be considered a potential measles exposure site. People at high risk of severe complications from measles, such as infants less than 12 months old, pregnant individuals who are not immunized and those with a weakened immune system should consider the potential for measles exposure when deciding whether to attend large gatherings.

Individuals who are not immunized and have been exposed to measles may be eligible for preventative treatment within six days of exposure. The province will continue to update exposure sites regularly at gov.mb.ca, but media bulletins will highlight only those exposure locations where individuals exposed are still within six days of exposure and may benefit from preventative treatment. Exposure sites listed are those that are reported. There may be other public locations where measles exposures have also occurred.

The province is highlighting the following new exposure site where people who are not vaccinated may be eligible for preventative treatment:

  • Boundary Trails Health Centre emergency department, near Winkler, on Feb. 7 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.

Public health is asking anyone who was at any of the locations during the specified times, listed here and on the measles exposures website, to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV).

For individuals who were exposed at these locations and were born in 1970 or later, 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 and on the measles exposures website.
  • Certain people should not get the measles vaccine including infants less than six months of age, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems. These individuals should contact their health-care provider or public health.
  • Close contacts may be asked by public health to isolate and consider vaccination.

Measles can be prevented through immunization. It is important to know whether you have been immunized against measles. To find out if you have been immunized, contact your local public health office, physician, nurse practitioner or pharmacist. To receive the measles vaccine, visit your primary care provider, local public health office, Access Centers or Connected Care Clinics. For a same or next-day appointment at a minor injury and illness or after-hours clinic, book online at medinav.ca.

Measles is a highly infectious communicable disease that is spread by coughing or sneezing. An infected person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after.

Symptoms of measles generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Initial symptoms may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat. Several days after the initial symptoms, a red blotchy rash appears on the face and progresses down the body. Measles can lead to complications including ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain inflammation).

If symptoms develop, individuals who may have been exposed are advised to isolate at home and contact their health-care provider and advise them of the potential exposure to measles. Anyone else in the household who is unimmunized should limit exposure to others until the symptomatic person has received advice from their health-care provider. It is best to call ahead so health-care staff can take steps to reduce the exposure of other people to the virus.

Public health officials will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updated information as necessary.

Information about measles, including exposure sites, immunization and symptoms, 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.