Health authorities in Manitoba reported 18 new cases of measles in the second week of January. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 351, along with 30 probable cases, since February 2025. Among these cases, 20 required hospitalization, including two admissions to the ICU, with the majority of hospitalized patients being children under the age of 10.
Recent warnings indicate potential exposure to measles at four specific locations between January 13 and 15. Individuals who were present at these sites during the specified dates and times are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms until the respective identified dates.
The locations where exposure may have occurred are as follows:
– Walmart Supercentre at 1000 Navigator Rd. in Winkler on Jan. 13
– Horrocks Insurance at 1631 St. Mary’s Rd. E. in Winnipeg on Jan. 14
– Del Rios Restaurant at 644 Main St. in Winkler on Jan. 15
– East St. Paul Curling Club (second floor) at 260 Hoddinott Rd. in East St. Paul on Jan. 15
Health authorities recommend that individuals who suspect exposure to measles should review their immunization records to ensure their vaccines are current. The outbreak of measles in Canada, which began in October 2024, has seen a significant surge in cases, with a total of 5,380 probable and confirmed cases reported as of January 10.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through droplets in the air, posing infection risks even with brief exposure to an infected person. Common symptoms to watch for include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, red eyes, small white spots in the mouth or throat, and a red skin rash. Immunization is crucial in preventing the contraction of measles, with Manitoba Health emphasizing the effectiveness of vaccination.
In Manitoba, children are typically provided with a two-dose vaccine program for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) at ages one and between four to six years. The data shows that a significant portion of measles cases in Manitoba involved individuals who had not received any vaccine doses. Monitoring vaccination status is essential, as it impacts the risk of contracting the disease.
