Measles Exposure Warnings in Portage la Prairie and Interlake
Public health officials in Manitoba have issued fresh measles exposure notices for residents in Portage la Prairie and the Interlake region as cases continue to rise. The notices emphasize checking immunization records and ensuring measles vaccines are up to date, with the majority of cases linked to unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals.
Exposure Details in Portage la Prairie and Stonewall
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care announced four new exposure sites. Among them is a location in Portage la Prairie and two sites in Stonewall. The timing and places are important for residents who may have been exposed and are advised to monitor for symptoms in the coming weeks.
One exposure occurred at the Portage Clinic located at 140 Ninth Street East in Portage la Prairie on October 4, between 12:40 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Individuals who were at the clinic during that window are asked to monitor for measles symptoms through October 26.
In Stonewall, exposure windows include Beyond Bread on September 26 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Interlake Medicentres on Third Avenue South on October 1 from 12:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Anyone present at these times should watch for symptoms through October 18 and October 23, respectively.
Public health officials urge residents who were at these locations at the specified times to review their immunization records and confirm they are up to date with measles vaccines, either MMR or MMRV. Staying current with vaccination is described as the most effective protection against measles exposure and spread.
Expanded Vaccine Eligibility to Address Rising Infections
In response to increasing measles activity, Manitoba Public Health has expanded vaccine eligibility for children aged six months to under 12 months who live in or travel to the Southern Health–Santé Sud or Interlake–Eastern regions, or who have been evacuated due to wildfires. This measure aims to increase protection for younger children who are particularly vulnerable to serious illness from measles.
Health officials note that measles cases in Manitoba have been trending upward, with a mix of confirmed and probable cases continuing to be monitored. The province reported 22 confirmed and two probable measles cases in September 2025, and between February and September 2025, there have been 216 confirmed and 18 probable cases across Manitoba. The public health response focuses on rapid vaccination uptake and thorough exposure tracking to limit further spread.
What Residents Should Do
For anyone who may have been at the exposure sites during the listed times, the advisory is clear: monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure. Common symptoms include fever, runny nose, red or watery eyes, cough, and a characteristic rash. If symptoms develop or if there is concern about exposure, seek medical advice promptly and inform healthcare providers about potential measles exposure.
Immunization remains the most reliable defense against measles. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, contact a healthcare provider or use local health department resources to verify whether you’ve received the MMR or MMRV vaccine and schedule a catch-up if needed.
Where to Find More Information
Additional details are available at the Manitoba government’s measles information page: gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html. Staying informed through official channels helps communities respond quickly to exposure events and protect vulnerable groups.
Community and Media Contacts
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