Manitoba Media Bulletin March 23, 2026 Measles Update
#92
Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are notifying the public of one new location where exposure to measles may have occurred within the past six days:
Victoria Hospital emergency department waiting room, 2340 Pembina Hwy., Winnipeg, on March 20 from 5:10 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
People who are not immunized and have been exposed to measles may be eligible for preventative treatment within six days of exposure and are encouraged to speak with a health-care provider.
To see the full listing of recent measles exposure locations by community in Manitoba, visit https://gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles-exposures.html.
Public health is asking anyone who was at this location during the specified times to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV).
For individuals who were exposed at this location and were born in 1970 or later, have never received a measles vaccine and have never had a measles infection:
Measles vaccine is recommended.
Reduce exposures with others, especially anyone who has a weakened immune system or is unimmunized, from the fifth day after exposure to the 21st day after the latest exposure.
Watch for symptoms of measles until the date that corresponds with their situation as indicated on the measles exposures website.
Certain people should not get the measles vaccine including infants less than six months of age, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems. These individuals should contact their health-care provider or public health.
Close contacts may be asked by public health to isolate and consider vaccination.
Further information on measles, exposures and immunization is available at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html or individuals can contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free in Manitoba.
Immunization is the only means of protecting people from contracting measles. It is important to know whether you have been immunized against measles. To find out if you have been immunized, contact your local public health office, physician, nurse practitioner or pharmacist.
In Manitoba, a two-dose measles vaccine program for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) is routinely provided for children who are at least one year of age and again when aged four to six. In the case of a measles exposure, a second dose may be given earlier than four to six years of age. There is also an outbreak eligibility for some children aged six months to under 12 months.
The complete eligibility criteria can be viewed at: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/vaccineeligibility.html#MMR.
To receive the measles vaccine, visit your primary care provider, local public health office, Access Centre or Connected Care Clinic. For a same-day or next-day appointment at a minor injury and illness or after-hours clinic, book online at www.medinav.ca.
Measles is a highly infectious communicable disease that is spread by coughing or sneezing. An infected person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after. The disease tends to be more severe in infants and young children and can be life-threatening.
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).
If symptoms develop, individuals who may have been exposed are advised to isolate at home and contact their health-care provider and advise them of the potential exposure to measles. Anyone else in the household who is unimmunized should limit exposure to others until the symptomatic person has received advice from their health-care provider. It is best to call ahead so health-care staff can take steps to reduce the exposure of other people to the virus.
Public health officials will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updated information as necessary. The number of measles cases in Manitoba is updated online every Friday
