Public health officials are warning residents in southern Manitoba to monitor for measles symptoms after several potential exposure sites were identified across Winkler and Portage la Prairie.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care says anyone who visited the affected locations during the specified dates and times should watch for symptoms and ensure their immunizations are up to date.
Exposure locations and monitoring dates
Health officials say the following sites have been linked to potential measles exposure:
At the Shindleman Aquatic Centre, 245 Royal Rd. S., Portage la Prairie:
At Bill’s Sticky Fingers, 210 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie:
At the Boundary Trails Health Centre emergency department near Winkler:
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Jan. 19 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; monitor for symptoms until Feb. 10.
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Jan. 21 from 5:30 p.m. to Jan. 22 at 12:15 a.m.
For the Jan. 21 exposure, monitor until Feb. 11.
For the Jan. 22 exposure, monitor until Feb. 12.
At the Real Canadian Superstore, 175 Cargill Rd., Winkler:
Public health is asking anyone who was present at these locations during the listed times to check their immunization records and confirm they are up to date with the measles vaccine, either MMR or MMRV.
What to do if you were exposed
Officials say people born in 1970 or later who have never received a measles vaccine and have never had a measles infection are advised to receive the vaccine.
Those individuals are also asked to reduce contact with others, especially anyone who is unimmunized or has a weakened immune system, starting on the fifth day after exposure until the 21st day after their most recent exposure.
They are also asked to monitor for symptoms until the date corresponding to their exposure.
Some individuals should not receive the measles vaccine, including infants under six months of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. These individuals are encouraged to contact their health-care provider or public health, as they may be eligible for preventative treatment if it is administered within six days of exposure.
Public health officials say close contacts may also be asked to isolate and consider vaccination.
Symptoms and complications
Symptoms of measles typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability, and red eyes. Small white spots may develop inside the mouth or throat.
Several days later, a red, blotchy rash usually appears on the face and spreads down the body.
Health officials say measles can lead to serious complications, including ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis.
Anyone who develops symptoms and may have been exposed is advised to isolate at home and contact their health-care provider. They should notify staff of the possible exposure before arriving so steps can be taken to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.
Household members who are unimmunized are also asked to limit contact with others until medical advice has been provided.
Highly contagious virus
Measles is a highly infectious disease that spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days afterward.
Health officials say the disease is often more severe in infants and young children and can be life-threatening.
Immunization remains the only reliable way to prevent measles. Residents are encouraged to contact a local public health office, physician, or nurse practitioner to ensure they are up to date.
Manitoba’s routine immunization program
In Manitoba, children routinely receive two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine, with the first dose given at one year of age and the second between four and six years old.
During an exposure, a second dose may be given earlier. Some children between six and 12 months may also be eligible under outbreak guidelines.
The full eligibility criteria is available through Manitoba Health.
Public health officials say the situation will continue to be monitored. Updated case numbers will be posted weekly on the provincial measles webpage each Friday.
For more information, residents can visit the Manitoba government website or contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free in Manitoba.
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