Health officials in Manitoba are warning individuals who attended the Manitoba Ag Days farm show in Brandon in late January that they may have been exposed to measles. The warning comes as the number of measles cases in the province continues to rise, prompting concerns about potential outbreaks, particularly among those not vaccinated against the virus.
Approximately 35,000 people attended the annual event, held at the Keystone Centre between and . Public health authorities have indicated that exposure may have occurred not only at the farm show itself, but also at hotels, restaurants, and shops in Brandon during the event. Additional exposure sites have been identified in Winkler, including Stacked Pancake and Breakfast House, as well as a public health office and emergency department.
“It’s absolutely terrifying,” said Dr. Philippe Lagacé-Wiens, a medical microbiologist and physician at St. Boniface Hospital, describing the potential for widespread transmission. “In a closed space, 90 per cent of people who are susceptible will catch measles if there’s a person who’s infectious and goes into that room.”
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear after exposure and can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash. The virus can remain airborne for extended periods and on surfaces, increasing the risk of transmission.
The current situation is particularly concerning because of the potential for undetected spread. Individuals infected with measles can be contagious for several days before symptoms even appear, allowing them to unknowingly transmit the virus to others. This “chain of transmission going downstream,” as Dr. Lagacé-Wiens described it, is amplified when a large number of people are exposed, as was the case at Ag Days.
Health officials are urging anyone who attended Manitoba Ag Days or visited the identified locations in Winkler to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles. It is crucial to be aware of the early signs of the illness and to contact a healthcare provider if any symptoms develop. Individuals should also ensure they are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations.
Manitoba reported the highest monthly count of confirmed measles cases in , marking the continuation of an outbreak that began in . This underscores the importance of vaccination as a primary means of protection against the disease.
Experts caution that unvaccinated individuals are at the highest risk of contracting measles and experiencing its complications. These complications can be severe, especially in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems. They can include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death.
The current recommendations emphasize avoiding large public gatherings for those who are not vaccinated, particularly while the outbreak continues. What we have is a precautionary measure to minimize the risk of exposure and prevent further spread of the virus. Public health officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as needed.
Those who suspect they may have been exposed to measles are advised to contact their healthcare provider for guidance. It is important to inform the healthcare provider of potential exposure so that appropriate precautions can be taken to prevent further transmission.
The situation in Manitoba highlights the ongoing threat posed by measles, a preventable disease that remains a public health concern globally. Maintaining high vaccination rates is essential to protect individuals and communities from outbreaks and their potentially serious consequences.
