Winkler Measles Exposure Sites Reported
Manitoba Measles alert: Protect yourself and Your Family
Table of Contents
Manitoba Health is advising the public of potential measles exposures at several locations across the province.This article provides crucial facts about measles, including symptoms, prevention, and what to do if you think you may have been exposed. Protecting yourself and your community through vaccination is paramount.
Understanding the current Measles Situation in Manitoba
Recent potential exposures have been identified at the following locations:
Winnipeg: Red River Exhibition Park – West 49 (February 16, 2024, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Winnipeg: Red River Exhibition Park – West 49 (February 17, 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Winnipeg: Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (February 17, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Winnipeg: Health Sciences Center Emergency Department (February 18, 2024, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Steinbach: Eastman General Hospital Emergency Department (February 19, 2024, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Individuals who were present at these locations during the specified times are urged to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV). This is especially significant for those born in 1970 or later.
Who is at Risk and What Should You Do?
If you were exposed at one of the listed locations and were born in 1970 or later, and have never received a measles vaccine and have never had a measles infection, the following steps are recommended:
Get Vaccinated: Measles vaccine is highly recommended. Reduce Exposure: Limit contact with others, notably those with weakened immune systems or who are unvaccinated, for 21 days after your last potential exposure (starting five days after exposure).
Monitor for Symptoms: Watch for signs of measles for up to 21 days after exposure.
Preventative Treatment: Certain individuals – infants under six months, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems – should not receive the measles vaccine. These individuals should contact their healthcare provider or public health immediately, as preventative treatment might potentially be available within six days of exposure.
Public Health Guidance: Be prepared for potential contact from public health officials who may recommend isolation and vaccination.
Recognizing the symptoms of Measles
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms can be easily mistaken for a common cold or flu and include:
Fever
Runny nose
Drowsiness
Irritability
Red, watery eyes
Small white spots inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)
Several days after these initial symptoms, a characteristic red, blotchy rash develops, usually starting on the face and spreading down the body.
measles can lead to serious complications, including:
Ear infections
Diarrhea
Pneumonia (lung infection)
Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
If you develop these symptoms and suspect measles exposure, it is indeed crucial to:
isolate at Home: Stay home to prevent spreading the virus.
Contact Your healthcare Provider: Call ahead to inform them of your potential exposure. This allows them to take precautions to protect other patients.
Household Precautions: Unvaccinated household members should limit their exposure to others until the symptomatic person has received medical advice.
How Measles Spreads and Why Vaccination is Key
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. An individual can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after. The disease is particularly severe in infants and young children and can be life-threatening.
Immunization is the only effective way to protect against measles.
Manitoba’s Measles Vaccination Program
Manitoba provides a routine two-dose measles vaccination program using MMR or MMRV vaccines:
First Dose: At least one year of age.
* Second Dose: Between four and six years of age.In cases of measles exposure, a second dose may be administered earlier