Health officials in Manitoba have identified four new locations where individuals may have been exposed to measles. They are urging anyone who visited these sites to monitor for symptoms and check their vaccination status.

One of the locations is the Boundary Trails Health Centre Emergency Department, where an individual with measles was present on June 7 between 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. In Plum Coulee, exposures occurred at Plum Coulee School on two occasions — June 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., and June 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Another confirmed site is the Portage District General Hospital Emergency Room, with exposure reported on June 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Steinbach, the QuickCare Clinic was affected on June 10 between 12:50 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Health officials advise individuals who were present at these locations during the specified times to monitor for symptoms of measles until dates ranging from June 27 to July 4, depending on the date of exposure. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, red eyes, drowsiness, white spots in the mouth, and a red rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body. Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, and brain inflammation.

Public health is working with Plum Coulee School to provide information to staff and families. Letters have been sent to those who may have been in contact with the virus. The province recommends that anyone born in 1970 or later who has not been vaccinated for measles should get vaccinated. Those who may have been exposed are advised to limit contact with others, especially those with weakened immune systems, from the fifth day after exposure until day 21. Infants under six months, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems should not receive the measles vaccine but may be eligible for preventive treatment. They should contact their doctor or public health for guidance.

Children aged six to 12 months who have been evacuated due to wildfires are now eligible for early measles vaccination. This dose does not replace routine doses given at 12 months and between four and six years old. Anyone who develops symptoms after a possible exposure should isolate at home and contact their healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or hospital. Unvaccinated individuals in the same household should also limit contact with others until they receive medical advice. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through airborne droplets. An infected person can transmit the virus from four days before to four days after the rash appears. It is particularly dangerous for infants and young children. Manitobans are encouraged to ensure they are up to date on their measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccinations. More information is available online or by calling Health Links.