Public health officials in Manitoba are continuing to monitor and respond to increasing cases of measles, with new exposure alerts issued for several locations in the southeast region and beyond. These alerts underscore the importance of vaccination and awareness of symptoms, particularly as community transmission persists.
The latest advisory, released on , specifically cautions individuals who visited Penfor Construction at
94 Penner Dr., Blumenorton , between and to monitor for symptoms until .
Additional locations identified as potential exposure sites include the Oak Bluff Recreation Club, Greenvalley Equipment in the Rural Municipality of Stanley, Caisse Financial Group in Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, and various locations within Brandon, including the Brandon Community Sportsplex Pool, Anytime Fitness, Shoppers Mall, A&L Cycle, Obermaier’s Sausage & Meats Ltd., and the Brandon Regional Health Centre – Westman Regional Laboratory. Exposure dates and symptom monitoring deadlines vary by location, as detailed in public health advisories.
Understanding Measles and the Current Situation
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It’s crucial to understand that the virus can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the area, contributing to the extended monitoring periods recommended by public health officials.
According to Manitoba Health, ongoing widespread community transmission of measles is currently affecting the rural municipalities of Stanley, Rhineland, Thompson, Dufferin, and Roland. This means that individuals should consider themselves potentially exposed at any public location visited within these areas.
Infants are particularly vulnerable to the complications of measles, including subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal brain condition that can develop years after the initial infection. Public health officials strongly recommend that infants living in or regularly traveling to these affected rural municipalities receive an early dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine if they are eligible. Infants aged six months to under 12 months are eligible for one dose of MMR if they reside in or travel regularly to and have close contact with residents of Southern Health–Santé Sud, Interlake Eastern or Prairie Mountain Health regions.
Symptoms and What to Do If Exposed
Symptoms of measles typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Initial symptoms can be non-specific, including fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability, and red eyes. Small white spots, known as Koplik’s spots, may also develop inside the mouth or throat. Several days after these initial symptoms, a characteristic red, blotchy rash typically appears on the face and then spreads down the body.
If you believe you may have been exposed to measles, health officials advise checking your immunization records to ensure you are up-to-date on the MMR or MMRV vaccine. Individuals born in 1970 or later who have never received a measles vaccine or had a measles infection are strongly advised to get vaccinated. It’s also important to reduce exposure to others and monitor for symptoms until the date corresponding with your potential exposure.
Measles can lead to serious complications, including ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis (brain inflammation). Measles occurring during pregnancy has been associated with miscarriage, premature delivery, and low birth weight.
Recent Hospitalizations and Provincial Response
Since , there have been 22 reported hospitalizations related to measles in Manitoba, with 16 of those patients being under the age of 10. Several cases have involved severe complications, including difficulty breathing requiring oxygen support, lung infections, and dehydration. There have also been nine cases of measles in pregnant individuals and one case of congenital measles.
Manitoba Health is actively investigating cases and working to identify potential exposure sites to limit further spread. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the latest updates and advisories through the Manitoba Health website and local public health authorities.
Preventative treatment may be available for individuals who are not immunized and have been exposed to measles, but it must be administered within six days of exposure. Individuals with concerns about potential exposure or symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for guidance.
