New Exposure Sites for Measles Confirmed in Southern Manitoba
Public health officials are urging residents in southern Manitoba to be vigilant and monitor for symptoms of measles after several potential exposure sites were identified in Portage la Prairie and Winkler. These sites include a fitness center, a restaurant, a health center, and a supermarket.
Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Long-Term Care are advising anyone who visited these locations during the specified dates and times to check their vaccination records and ensure they are up to date with the measles vaccine. Those who were exposed and have not been vaccinated or infected previously are recommended to get the vaccine and limit contact with others until the 21st day after exposure.
Exposure locations and monitoring periods:
- Shindleman Aquatic Centre, Portage la Prairie (Jan. 25, 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.): Monitor until Feb. 16.
- Bill’s Sticky Fingers, Portage la Prairie (Jan. 25, 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.): Monitor until Feb. 16.
- Boundary Trails Health Centre emergency department, Winkler (Jan. 19, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Jan. 21, 5:30 p.m. to Jan. 22, 12:15 a.m.): Monitor for symptoms until Feb. 10, Feb. 11, and Feb. 12, respectively.
- Real Canadian Superstore, Winkler (Jan. 21, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.): Monitor until Feb. 12.
Symptoms and Complications
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability, and red eyes. Small white spots may develop inside the mouth or throat. A red, blotchy rash usually appears on the face and spreads down the body a few days later.
Measles can lead to serious complications, including ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis. Anyone who develops symptoms and may have been exposed should isolate at home and contact their healthcare provider. Household members who are unimmunized should also limit contact with others until medical advice has been provided.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days afterward. The disease is often more severe in infants and young children and can be life-threatening.
Immunization remains the only reliable way to prevent measles. Residents are encouraged to contact a local public health office, physician, or nurse practitioner to ensure they are up to date. Manitoba's routine immunization program includes two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine, with the first dose given at one year of age and the second between four and six years old.
Public health officials will continue to monitor the situation and update case numbers weekly on the provincial measles webpage.
