Public Health Alerts Highlight Measles Exposures in Portage la Prairie and Interlake
Public health officials in Manitoba are urging residents in Portage la Prairie and the Interlake region to review their immunization records following new measles exposure notices. The alerts come amid a continuing rise in measles cases across the province, with most infections occurring in individuals who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.
Exposure Details: Where and When
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care has identified four new exposure sites. One location is in Portage la Prairie, while two sites are in Stonewall, part of the Interlake region, with another exposure tied to a local clinic. The specifics are:
- Portage la Prairie: Portage Clinic, 140 Ninth Street East — exposure on October 4, between 12:40 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
- Stonewall: two separate exposure windows on September 26, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Beyond Bread and another site at Interlake Medicentres on Third Avenue South, with an exposure window on October 1, from 12:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Anyone who visited these locations during the specified times should monitor for measles symptoms through the indicated end dates and seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
What to Do if You Were Exposed
Public health officials emphasize the importance of checking your immunization status and ensuring you are up to date with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) or MMRV vaccines. The department notes that exposure can lead to infection even in previously healthy individuals, particularly among those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
Key steps for residents include:
- Review your vaccination records and confirm you have received two doses of MMR or MMRV, with the most recent dose administered after age one year.
- If you are not up to date, contact a healthcare provider or local public health unit about getting vaccinated as soon as possible, especially if you are in the affected regions or have recently traveled there.
- Monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure. Typical signs include fever, runny nose, red eyes, cough, and a noticeable rash.
- If symptoms appear, contact a healthcare provider before attending in person to avoid potential exposure of others, and inform them of possible measles exposure.
Immunization remains the most effective defense against measles and helps protect vulnerable groups, including young children and those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
Expanded Vaccine Eligibility to address rising infections
In response to increasing measles activity, Manitoba Public Health announced expanded vaccine eligibility. 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, are now eligible for vaccination earlier than the typical nine-month wait period. This measure aims to increase population immunity in communities affected by outbreaks and to reduce transmission risks in schools and public spaces.
Public Health officials say the province continues to monitor measles cases and exposures, including those linked to travelers entering Manitoba from other provinces or countries. The current numbers for 2025 show a total of 216 confirmed and 18 probable cases from February to September, with 22 confirmed and two probable cases reported in September alone. These numbers underscore the ongoing risk and the importance of timely vaccination.
Protecting Yourself and Others
Health authorities advise vigilance for measles symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure and reiterate that vaccination is the best protection. If you suspect you have measles or have questions about vaccination eligibility, you can find more information at the Manitoba government health pages or contact your local public health unit. For ongoing updates on measles exposures and vaccine guidance, visit gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html.
Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local health notices and to share information with family and friends who may need to update their vaccines. For tips, you can sign up for local news updates or reach out to Portage Online with tips, tips submissions, or photos related to public health notices.
