New measles exposure site reported in southern Manitoba, including Niverville

Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are notifying the public of new measles exposure sites in Niverville and southern Manitoba over the last week.

Anyone at the following locations on the specified dates and times is asked to monitor for symptoms until the identified date:

• RBC Royal Bank, 225 Main St., Winkler, on March 25 from 8:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
• Hide n Seek Winnipeg, 100-305 Fort Whyte Way, Oak Bluff, on March 25 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• IKEA, 500 Sterling Lyon Parkway, Winnipeg, on March 25 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Boundary Trails Health Centre emergency department waiting room, near Winkler, from March 25 at 9:30 p.m. to March 26 at 5:50 a.m.
• Open Health Santé Ouverte, 161 2nd Ave. S., Niverville, on March 26 from 9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
• Portage Clinic, 140 9th St. SE., Portage la Prairie, on March 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

People who are not immunized and have been exposed to measles may be eligible for preventative treatment within six days of exposure and are encouraged to speak with a health-care provider.

Public health is asking anyone who was at these locations 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 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 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.

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.