Manitoba public health officials have issued a new alert listing four additional locations where people may have been exposed to measles. The new sites span Winnipeg, Stonewall, and Portage la Prairie, with exposure windows ranging from late September to early October. The province is emphasizing the importance of checking immunization records and ensuring measles vaccines are up to date for anyone who may have visited these locations during the specified times.
H2: What happened and where the exposures occurred
H3: Winnipeg location
In Winnipeg, the exposure was at the Winnipeg Adult & Teen Challenge on Sept. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The facility serves individuals seeking support for addiction recovery, and public health officials say anyone who was on site during those hours should review their immunization status and consider vaccination if they are not yet protected against measles.
H3: Stonewall locations
Two exposure sites are in Stonewall. First, Beyond Bread was visited on Sept. 26, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Second, Interlake Medicentres hosted a session on Oct. 1, from 12:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. The public is advised to check vaccination history and schedule a measles vaccine if they are not current, especially if they were in the area during those times.
H3: Portage la Prairie site
A fourth exposure location is the Portage Clinic in Portage la Prairie on a Saturday, with exposure from 12:40 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. People who were present during this window should review their immunization records and seek a vaccine if needed. Public health officials stress that measles is highly contagious, and early vaccination is key to reducing risk of transmission.
H2: Why these updates matter
Measles remains a contagious viral illness that can spread rapidly in crowded or enclosed spaces. While most people in Manitoba are protected either by vaccination or previous infection, exposures like these highlight the importance of maintaining up-to-date immunization records and ensuring high community immunity. Health officials say that even if you feel well, you could still be in the infectious window, so verifying vaccination status is a prudent step.
H2: What to do if you were at one of the locations
– Check your immunization records: Look for records of two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (often given as MMR or a similar vaccine) or documentation of a prior confirmed infection.
– If you’re not fully vaccinated or unsure of your status, contact your healthcare provider or public health clinic to discuss vaccination.
– Monitor for symptoms: Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic widespread rash. If symptoms develop, isolate yourself to prevent further transmission and seek medical advice promptly.
– If you believe you were exposed and you have not been vaccinated, talk to a clinician about post-exposure vaccination (where appropriate) and other precautions.
H2: About vaccination and public health reminders
Vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is routinely offered in Manitoba and is recommended for all non-immune individuals, including adults who did not receive two documented doses as children. Public health teams monitor exposure events like these to identify at-risk individuals and to reduce the chances of further spread.
H2: How to stay informed
Public health officials will continue to issue updates if more exposure sites are identified. People can stay informed by checking the province’s official health website, local news outlets, and public health social channels. If you have questions about vaccination status or exposure risks, contact your local public health office for guidance.
H2: Takeaway for residents
– Review your vaccination history and ensure you are protected against measles with the recommended two-dose schedule.
– If you visited any of the four locations during the specified times, consider getting a measles vaccination, especially if you are unsure of your immunity status.
– Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms consistent with measles, or if you believe you may have been exposed and are not fully vaccinated.
This evolving situation underscores the ongoing importance of vaccination and prompt public health communication. By staying informed and up to date with immunizations, Manitoba residents can help protect themselves and their communities from measles outbreaks.
