Measles Alert #72: Important Exposure Locations Identified in Southern Manitoba
Public health authorities from Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are reaching out to inform the community about four newly identified sites where individuals may have been exposed to measles. If you were present at any of these locations during the times specified, it is crucial to monitor yourself for symptoms until the indicated dates:
- Boundary Trails Health Centre Ultrasound Department located on Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 3 and PTH 14, near Winkler, on January 19 from 1:40 PM to 5 PM. Monitor for symptoms until February 10.
- Boundary Trails Health Centre Emergency Department, also at PTH 3 and PTH 14, near Winkler, on January 21 from 6 AM to 10:05 AM. Keep an eye on your health until February 12.
- Once Upon a Child Winnipeg East situated at 1600 Regent Ave. W., Unit 2-A, Winnipeg, on January 23 from 4 PM to 7 PM. Be vigilant for symptoms until February 14.
- Sharptooth Adventures at 316 Loren Dr., Morden, on January 23 from 5 PM to 10 PM. Watch for signs of illness until February 14.
Health officials are urging anyone who visited these sites during the specified times to review their vaccination status and ensure they are up to date with their measles immunization (MMR or MMRV).
For those who might have been exposed at these locations and were born in 1970 or later, if you have never been vaccinated against measles nor have you ever contracted the disease:
- It is highly recommended to receive the measles vaccine.
- To protect others, please limit your interactions with those who have weakened immune systems or are unvaccinated from the fifth day post-exposure until the 21st day after the last exposure.
- Vigilantly monitor for measles symptoms until the relevant date as outlined above.
- Certain individuals should refrain from getting the measles vaccine, including infants under six months, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. Those in this category should consult their healthcare provider or public health for potential preventative treatments available within six days of exposure.
- Close contacts may be instructed by public health to isolate and consider vaccination.
For additional details regarding measles, associated exposures, and vaccination options, please visit Manitoba Health's official website or contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 across Manitoba.
The initial symptoms of measles typically manifest between seven to 21 days following exposure. Early warning signs can include fever, a runny nose, fatigue, irritability, and inflamed eyes. Small white spots may also appear inside the mouth or throat. A few days after these early symptoms, a red, blotchy rash will emerge, beginning on the face and spreading downwards. Measles can lead to serious complications such as ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia (lung infection), and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
If you develop any symptoms, it’s crucial to stay home and reach out to your healthcare provider while informing them about your potential measles exposure. Other unimmunized individuals living in the same household should minimize their contact with others until the symptomatic person has consulted their healthcare provider. It’s advisable to call ahead to ensure that healthcare staff can implement measures to avoid exposing others to the virus.
Measles is an exceptionally contagious disease that spreads through droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. An infected individual can transmit the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after its onset. The disease tends to pose greater risks to infants and young children and can even be fatal.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. Make sure to reach out to a local immunization provider, such as a public health office, family physician, or nurse practitioner, to confirm that everyone’s vaccinations are current.
In Manitoba, a two-dose vaccination program for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMR or MMRV) is routinely administered to children starting at one year of age, with a second dose given when they are between four and six years old. In cases of measles exposure, a second dose might be provided earlier than the usual age bracket. There are also provisions for some children aged six months to under 12 months during outbreak circumstances. Detailed eligibility criteria can be viewed at this link.
Public health officials will persist in their efforts to monitor this situation closely and will release updates as necessary. The count of measles cases in Manitoba will be refreshed weekly on the designated measles webpage each Friday.
