Manitoba Health Announces Four New Measles Exposure Sites
Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care have issued a new measles exposure update, listing four additional sites and specific dates when the virus may have been present. The goal is to inform the public, help individuals monitor for symptoms, and encourage vaccination to curb any potential spread.
Details of the New Exposure Sites
The four locations and exposure windows are as follows:
- Portage Clinic, 140 Ninth St. E., Portage la Prairie — Oct. 4, 12:40 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monitor symptoms until Oct. 26.
- Winnipeg Adult and Teen Challenge, 83 Kate St., Winnipeg — Sept. 25, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monitor symptoms until Oct. 17.
- Beyond Bread, 368 Main St., Stonewall — Sept. 26, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monitor symptoms until Oct. 18.
- Interlake Medicentres, Suite 2-330 Third Ave. S., Stonewall — Oct. 1, 12:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monitor symptoms until Oct. 23.
Public health is asking anyone who was at these locations during the specified times to review their immunization records and ensure their measles vaccination is up to date.
Vaccination and Exposure Guidance
For individuals born in 1970 or later who have never received a measles vaccine and have never had a measles infection, vaccination is recommended after exposure. The public health guidance also advises reducing contact with others—especially those with weakened immune systems or who are unimmunized—from the fifth day after exposure to the 21st day after the latest exposure.
Close contacts may be asked to isolate and consider vaccination, depending on their exposure and health status. It is important to contact a health-care provider or public health before seeking care so staff can minimize the risk of transmission to others.
Who Should Not Get the Vaccine Right Away
Infants younger than six months, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems should not receive the measles vaccine at the time of exposure. These individuals should consult their health-care provider or public health about preventive treatment options within six days of exposure.
Symptoms and Response if Exposed
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Early signs include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability, and red eyes. White spots inside the mouth or throat may appear, followed by a red blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. Measles can lead to complications such as ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis.
If you develop symptoms and may have been exposed, isolate at home and contact your health-care provider, informing them of the potential exposure. Household members who are unimmunized should limit contact with others until advised otherwise by a health professional.
Protecting the Community
Measles spreads via droplets released when coughing or sneezing, and an infected person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after. Immunization with the MMR or MMRV vaccine remains the most effective protection. Manitoba’s routine two-dose MMR/MMRV program targets children aged one year and then again at four to six years, with outbreak-related adjustments possible for certain age groups.
For more information, you can visit the Manitoba government measles page or contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free in Manitoba. Detailed vaccine eligibility criteria related to measles exposure are available at the official health site.
Ongoing Monitoring
Manitoba Health will continue to monitor the situation and will publish updates as needed. The measles cases count is updated weekly on the measles webpage every Wednesday.
Takeaway: If you were at any of the four locations on the listed dates, monitor for measles symptoms through the indicated dates and verify your vaccination status. Early notification and vaccination remain your strongest defenses against measles.
