The chief provincial public health officer confirmed Friday, June 28, 2019 that a travel-related case of the measles has been reported in Manitoba.
Measles is a highly infectious, communicable disease that is spread through droplets in the air formed when coughing or sneezing. An infected person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after.
Officials say the individual, a male in his 30s, lives in the Winnipeg area and is currently recovering in hospital.
He had recently travelled from the Philippines via Vancouver to Winnipeg.
Although the risk of transmission is low anyone who may have been in the following locations on the specified dates could have been exposed to the virus:
- Philippines Airlines flight PR 116 from Manila to Vancouver on June 24;
- Vancouver International Airport customs area and baggage area from 5:15 p.m. (Pacific time) to 7 p.m. (Pacific time) on June 24;
- WestJet flight WJ 458 from Vancouver to Winnipeg on June 24;
- Winnipeg Richardson International Airport arrivals and baggage claim on June 25 from midnight until 2 a.m.;
- Assiniboine Clinic on Tuesday, June 25 between 2 and 6 p.m.; and
- Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg adult emergency department waiting room on Tuesday, June 25 from approximately 4:45 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Health officials urge all people who may have been exposed, immunized or not, should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days from exposure date.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Fever
- runny nose
- sore throat
- cough
- drowsiness
- irritability
- red eyes
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,
If you think you may have the measles please call ahead to your health care provider so that they can take precautions to reduce exposure to staff and other people.
Public health officials are continuing to monitor the situation.
