Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care has identified two new locations of exposure to measles, and are warning the public, especially those who were there at select times, to monitor for symptoms.
According to a provincial release, Green Valley School in Grunthal and the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg were both locations of exposure to measles on May 20. Anyone at Green Valley School from 8:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m on that day is asked to monitor for symptoms until June 11. Anyone at the Manitoba Museum from 10:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m that day is also asked to monitor until June 11.
“Public health is communicating directly with the school to notify staff, volunteers and families of students who attend the school to provide advice specific to their exposure,” said the province in their release. “All families of students, and school staff and volunteers will be receiving letters with the relevant information.”
According to the release, symptoms of measles generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Initial symptoms may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat. Several days after the initial symptoms, a red blotchy rash appears on the face and progresses down the body. Measles can lead to complications including ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain inflammation). Anyone who observes any of these symptoms after a potential exposure is asked to isolate at home and contact their healthcare provider.
You can learn more about measles and exposures at https://gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html or you can contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free in Manitoba.
