The province of Manitoba is cautioning about potential exposure to measles at a recent Winnipeg Jets game, and has advised that any public location in several southern rural municipalities should be considered as potential exposure sites due to rising case numbers in the region.
During the first week of February, Manitoba recorded 44 confirmed cases, surpassing the total number of infections reported in eight of the past 12 months. Notably, only May (72 cases), July (49), December (48), and January 2026 (75) had higher totals. The average monthly case count from February to December 2025 was just under 29, as per provincial data.
As of February 7, the latest data from Manitoba Health reported a total of 438 confirmed and 39 probable measles cases in the province since February 2025. An additional measles case was confirmed for January, bringing the total infections for that month to 75.
Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief public health officer, announced 12 confirmed measles infections on February 9, which were not included in the latest data released on Friday.
The province has warned that large events in the coming months could serve as potential exposure sites for measles. Particularly, children under 12 months old, pregnant individuals without immunization, and those with weakened immune systems should consider the risk of exposure when attending such gatherings.
Due to widespread community transmission, individuals in the rural municipalities of Stanley, Rhineland, Thompson, Dufferin, and Roland are advised to consider themselves potentially exposed when visiting any public location in these areas.
One of the recent exposure sites reported by the province is a Winnipeg Jets game at the Canada Life Centre on February 4. The exposure was noted in the 300-level seating and concourse area from 6 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.
Attendees of the game are advised to monitor for symptoms until February 26. True North Sports and Entertainment, the owner of the Jets and the arena, has been working closely with Manitoba Public Health to provide necessary guidance in response to the situation.
In a recent update, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the importance of obtaining measles information from reliable sources and highlighted the role of vaccination in combating the outbreak.
The province continues to expand eligibility for measles vaccines to include infants as young as six months old in certain regions. It has been observed that the majority of measles cases in Manitoba have occurred in individuals who were not immunized against the disease.
Since the outbreak began, 24 individuals, including 17 children under 10 years old, have been hospitalized due to measles-related complications. While no deaths have been reported in connection to the outbreak, a few patients have required intensive care.
Measles is a highly contagious disease spread through respiratory droplets, making it crucial for individuals to take preventive measures and monitor for symptoms if they suspect exposure to the virus.
