Measles Outbreak Alert: Public Health Officials Issue Exposure Site Notifications in Southern Manitoba
Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Long-Term Care officials are urging the public to take note of four new measles exposure sites in southern Manitoba. These sites were visited by individuals who may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus, and anyone who was present during the specified times and dates is advised to monitor for symptoms and take necessary precautions.
Here are the exposure sites and the details you need to know:
In Brandon:
- Corral Centre Liquor Mart, 805 18th St. N., on February 5th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Monitor symptoms until February 27th.
- Brandon University Healthy Living Centre, 2010 Louise Ave., on February 5th from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monitor symptoms until February 27th.
- Boston Pizza, Unit 2-1140 Richmond Ave., on February 5th from 8:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Monitor symptoms until February 27th.
In Portage la Prairie:
- McMunn & Yates Building Supplies, 2712 Saskatchewan Ave. W., on February 2nd, 3rd, and 5th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. respectively. Monitor symptoms until February 24th, 25th, and 27th.
Public health officials are also reminding individuals who visited these sites during the specified times to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV).
For those exposed and born in 1970 or later, who have never received the measles vaccine and have never had the infection:
- A measles vaccine is recommended.
- Reduce exposure to others, especially those with weakened immune systems or unimmunized individuals, from the fifth day after exposure to the 21st day after the latest exposure.
- Monitor symptoms of measles until the date corresponding to their situation.
- Certain individuals, such as infants under six months, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, should not receive the vaccine and should contact their healthcare provider or public health for preventative treatment.
- Close contacts may be asked to isolate and consider vaccination.
Symptoms and Next Steps:
Measles symptoms typically appear 7-21 days after exposure and may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability, red eyes, and small white spots inside the mouth or throat. A red, blotchy rash develops a few days later. If symptoms arise, individuals should isolate at home, contact their healthcare provider, and inform them of the potential measles exposure. Unimmunized household members should limit exposure to others until the symptomatic person receives medical advice.
Measles: A Highly Contagious Disease
Measles is spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can be severe in infants and young children and may even be life-threatening. Immunization is the only way to protect against contracting measles.
Manitoba's Immunization Program
Manitoba offers a two-dose measles vaccine program for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMR or MMRV) for children aged one and above, with a booster dose given between four and six years. In cases of measles exposure, a second dose may be administered earlier. Some children aged six months to under 12 months are also eligible for the vaccine. For complete eligibility criteria, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/vaccineeligibility.html#MMR.
Public health officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. The number of measles cases in Manitoba will be updated weekly on the dedicated measles webpage.
For further information on measles, exposure, and immunization, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html or contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free in Manitoba.
