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Five Measles Cases Confirmed in Southern Manitoba, Linked to Ontario Outbreak

Manitoba health officials have confirmed five cases of measles in southern Manitoba, all connected to an ongoing outbreak in Ontario. The individuals, all from the same household, had recently travelled to Ontario and were in contact with confirmed measles cases. They are currently isolating at home.

This news comes as Ontario grapples with a significant measles outbreak, with 81 cases (54 confirmed and 27 probable) reported so far in 2024 and 2025.

Manitoba public health officials are notifying individuals who may have been exposed at the following locations:

  • Reinland Mennonite Church, Winkler: Sunday school and main service on January 26 from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until February 16.
  • Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg: First-floor children’s laboratory and waiting rooms of Clinic X and Clinic W on January 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until February 21.
  • Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg: Orange Bison Zone Level 1 (Guildy’s Eatery and adjacent corridors) on January 31 from noon to 3 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until February 21.
  • Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg: Fourth-floor cardiology clinic and waiting room in Children’s Hospital on January 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until February 21.

Health officials warn that this is an ongoing investigation and additional exposure locations may be identified. Individuals identified as contacts may be asked to isolate and consider vaccination.

Anyone who was at these locations during the specified times is urged to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date on their measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV). Individuals born before 1970 or who have received a measles vaccine are unlikely to contract the disease. However, they should still monitor for symptoms until the dates listed above.

Public health officials are specifically advising those born in 1970 or later who have never been vaccinated against measles and have never had a measles infection to take the following precautions:

  • Reduce contact with others, especially those with weakened immune systems or who are unvaccinated, from the fifth day after exposure to the 21st day after the latest exposure. Note that individuals are not contagious in the first four days following exposure.
  • Get vaccinated against measles.
  • Monitor for measles symptoms until the date corresponding to their exposure location, as noted above.

Infants under six months of age, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems should not receive the measles vaccine. These individuals should contact their healthcare provider or public health as they may be eligible for preventative treatment.

If measles symptoms develop, Manitobans are advised to isolate at home and contact their healthcare provider before going to the clinic or hospital, informing them of the potential exposure. Calling ahead allows healthcare staff to take necessary precautions to prevent further spread.

Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability, red eyes, and small white spots inside the mouth or throat. A red, blotchy rash typically appears a few days later, starting on the face and spreading down the body. Complications from measles can include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through airborne droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. An infected person can transmit the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after. The disease can be particularly severe and even life-threatening in infants and young children.

Immunization is the most effective way to prevent measles. Manitoba offers a two-dose measles vaccine program (MMR or MMRV) for children at ages one and four to six. A second dose may be offered sooner in the event of a measles exposure. Contact your local public health office, physician, or nurse practitioner to ensure your immunizations are up to date. For more information on measles symptoms and what to do if exposed, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html.

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