Measles Alert: Manitoba Ag Days Attendees, Brandon Locations – Monitor for Symptoms
- Public health officials in Manitoba are alerting residents to potential measles exposure linked to the Manitoba Ag Days event held in Brandon in January, as well as several...
- The potential exposure at Manitoba Ag Days, billed as Canada’s largest indoor farm show, occurred between January 20 and January 22.
- Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread through respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces.
Public health officials in Manitoba are alerting residents to potential measles exposure linked to the Manitoba Ag Days event held in Brandon in January, as well as several locations in Brandon and Winkler. Anyone who attended Ag Days, visited hotels, restaurants, and shops in Brandon during and around the event, or frequented specific locations in Winkler earlier this month, is advised to monitor for symptoms until dates extending into late February.
The potential exposure at Manitoba Ag Days, billed as Canada’s largest indoor farm show, occurred between and . Approximately 35,000 people attended the event, and nearly 600 exhibitors were present. Exposure is also possible at sites not specifically listed in public health advisories, according to officials.
Exposure Locations and Monitoring Dates
Specific locations and corresponding monitoring dates are as follows:
- Manitoba Ag Days, Keystone Centre, Brandon: (9 a.m. To 7 p.m.) – Monitor until ; (9 a.m. To 7 p.m.) – Monitor until ; (9 a.m. To 7 p.m.) – Monitor until .
- Great Western Roadhouse, Canad Inns Destination Centre, 1125 18th St., Brandon: (5 p.m. To 9 p.m.) – Monitor until .
- Manitoba Ag Days, Agriculture in the Classroom event, Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Dome Building, Unit 1-A, 1200 13th St., Brandon: (9:30 a.m. To 5 p.m.) – Monitor until ; (9:30 a.m. To 5 p.m.) – Monitor until ; (9:30 a.m. To 5 p.m.) – Monitor until .
- Stacked Pancake and Breakfast House, 777 Norquay Dr., Winkler: (9:30 a.m. To 3:30 p.m.) – Monitor until .
- Boundary Trails Health Centre public health office, near Winkler: (10:30 a.m. To 1 p.m.) – Monitor until .
- Boundary Trails Health Centre emergency department, near Winkler: (7 p.m.) to (1:10 a.m.) – Monitor until .
Understanding Measles and its Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread through respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by small white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots). A red, blotchy rash then develops, usually starting on the face and spreading down the body.
Individuals experiencing these symptoms who may have been exposed at the listed locations are urged to contact HealthLine 811, their primary care physician, or a nurse practitioner. Anyone in medical distress should seek immediate care at an emergency room or call 911, informing healthcare providers of potential measles exposure.
The Importance of Vaccination
Health officials emphasize that measles is preventable through vaccination. The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and freely available. Two doses of the vaccine provide nearly 100% protection against the virus and its complications.
Canada lost its measles elimination status in November 2025 after more than 25 years, due to declining vaccination rates and the re-emergence of ongoing community transmission. Since , over 5,000 cases have been reported across Canada, including tragic instances of infants infected with measles in utero who died after birth.
The resurgence of measles is attributed to factors including misinformation fueling vaccine hesitancy, distrust of science, and disruptions to routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health and infectious disease experts continue to advocate for widespread vaccination as the most effective means of preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease.