Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are declaring the measles outbreak over effective October 16, 2026, as the last laboratory-confirmed case was identified in August.
Since the outbreak was first reported in 2025, a total of 1,038 measles cases have been reported in Manitoba, including 931 confirmed cases and 107 probable cases. Of all reported cases, 87 per cent were either unimmunized or had an unknown measles immunization status.
Throughout the outbreak period, 52 measles-related hospitalizations were reported, including six intensive care unit admissions. Half of all hospitalized cases occurred in children under 10 years of age, and most were unimmunized or had an unknown immunization status. No deaths were reported. There have been 21 cases of measles in pregnant individuals and four cases of congenital measles.
Measles immunization rates increased during the outbreak period, helping improve protection against the disease across Manitoba. In 2025, about 15 per cent more Manitobans received measles vaccine than in 2024. Public health officials thank all Manitobans who contributed to the provincial outbreak response efforts.
With the outbreak now over, the temporary outbreak-related eligibility criteria for measles immunization of children aged six months to under 12 months in affected regions is no longer in effect. Children should follow Manitoba’s routine immunization schedule, which recommends the first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months of age or older.
More information on Manitoba’s recommended immunization schedule is available at gov.mb.ca.
Although no measles outbreaks are currently occurring in Canada, measles transmission remains high in some parts of the world and outbreaks continue in the United States. Manitobans are encouraged to stay informed about public health guidance, ensure their measles immunizations are up to date, recognize the symptoms of measles and know what to do if they develop symptoms or believe they may have been exposed.
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.
