In late March and early April, Manitoba saw a surge in new measles cases, solidifying its status as the primary hotspot for this highly contagious disease in Canada. Data released by the province on Friday indicated that between March 29 and April 4, there were 36 new confirmed measles cases and two probable cases. This brings the total count of confirmed cases in March to 156 and probable cases to 24, with an additional 17 confirmed cases and one probable case reported up to April 4.
The latest update reveals that Manitoba has documented a total of 429 confirmed infections and 63 probable cases in 2026, surpassing the total cases recorded in all of 2025, which stood at 319 confirmed cases and 29 probable cases. During the ongoing outbreak, 42 individuals have been hospitalized due to measles, including 23 children under 10, with four requiring intensive care. The majority of those hospitalized – 39 individuals – were either unimmunized or had an unknown vaccination history for measles. Fortunately, no deaths linked to measles have been reported by the province.
As of March 28, Manitoba accounted for approximately 60% of the 733 confirmed measles cases across Canada this year, according to federal data. The Manitoba government has also identified additional measles exposure sites in Winnipeg, including various medical facilities and pharmacies visited by individuals with measles in early April. The province updates the list of exposure sites on its website regularly to inform the public of potential risk areas. Measles, a disease without a cure, is managed by focusing on symptom relief, as detailed by provincial health authorities.
Initial symptoms of measles include cough, fever, runny nose, and pink eye, followed by the appearance of white spots in the mouth and a rash. Infected individuals are contagious from four days before the rash emerges to four days after. The virus spreads through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, with the virus capable of lingering in the air for up to two hours.
