Manitoba Measles Update: Possible Areas of Exposure to Measles

This video presents “Measles outbreak.”

  • “There’s a serious spike in the number of measles cases in Canada. How worried should we be?“

Please click here to read Measles Outbreak in Fraser Health Region: B.C. Ministry of Health Provided Update:

Above, BC Centre for Disease Control's (BCCDC's) electron microscope image of measles virus. (In reality the measles virus is not purple; the purple colour is added as visual aid.)
Above, BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC’s) electron microscope image of measles virus. (In reality the measles virus is not purple; the purple colour is added as visual aid.)

NEWS RELEASE

Manitoba, Canada

April 18, 2014

PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATE:
ADDITIONAL AREAS OF POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO MEASLES REPORTED IN MANITOBA

Public health officials are updating possible areas of exposure to measles in Manitoba following two additional cases reported yesterday.

This update is being sent as a precautionary warning for those who may have been in contact with the individuals who are ill.

People who were at the following locations should be aware of the possibility of exposure:

  • Hair Do Zoo, 845 Dakota St., Winnipeg, on the following dates and times:
    • April 11 between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.;
    • April 12 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.;
    • April 14 between 9 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.;
  • a bull-riding event at the MTS Centre, Winnipeg, April 12 between 6:30 and 10:30 p.m.;
  • Sobey’s, 1500 Dakota St., Winnipeg, April 13 from noon to 5 p.m.;
  • Shopper’s Drug Mart, 785 Dakota St., Winnipeg, April 14 between 8:30 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.; and
  • the UPS Store, 845 Dakota St., Winnipeg, April 14 between 1 and 2 p.m‎.

Those who visited these locations and think they might have measles or have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with measles should phone their health-care provider or Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) for more information.

Where appropriate, people will be offered immunization and may be asked to remain at home and minimize contact with others to reduce the possible spread of measles.

The current number of laboratory-confirmed cases in Manitoba remains at seven.

Public health officials will continue to monitor the situation in Manitoba and will provide updated information as necessary.  If visiting a physician or health-care provider, it is best to call ahead and make an appointment so health-care staff can take steps to reduce the exposure of other people to the virus.

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).

Measles is spread through droplets in the air formed when coughing or sneezing.  An infected person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after it is seen.  The disease tends to be more severe in infants and young children, and can be life-threatening.

Immunization is the best means of protecting yourself and your family.  All Manitobans are encouraged to contact an immunization provider such as a physician, nurse practitioner or local public health office to make sure you and your family are protected.

In Manitoba, a measles immunization program was first established in 1967.  In 1996, the current two-dose measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine program was introduced.

Vaccines are provided for children who are at least one year of age and a second dose is given when aged four to six.  The effectiveness of a single dose of measles vaccine given at 12 or 15 months of age is estimated to be 85 to 95 per cent.  With a second dose, efficacy is almost 100 per cent.

To reduce the spread of measles, people can:

  • ensure immunizations are up to date;
  • avoid sharing of personal items such as water bottles, lip gloss, cigarettes or eating utensils;
  • cover their nose and mouth with their forearm or a tissue when they cough and sneeze;
  • wash their hands often with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, especially after coughing or sneezing; and
  • stay home when sick.

Adults born before 1970 are generally presumed to have acquired natural immunity to measles, however, some of these individuals may be susceptible.  Adults born in 1970 or later who do not have a record showing they received a measles vaccine, or who have not had a history of laboratory confirmed measles infection, should be immunized with one dose of MMR.

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