Bold health alerts can save lives, but clear information is the key to acting fast. Here’s a refreshed, beginner-friendly rewrite of the latest measles update, expanded with extra context and practical examples while preserving all the original details.
Measles Update #84: Steinbach ER Adds New Exposure Location
Public health officials from Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are notifying residents about a new potential measles exposure site within the past six days:
- Bethesda Regional Health Centre emergency department waiting room, 316 Henry St., Steinbach. Exposure occurred on February 27, from 2:20 p.m. to 4:40 p.m.
For people in the Westman area and Winnipeg who may have been exposed, here’s what to know: If you are not immunized and you were exposed to measles, you may qualify for preventive treatment if you act within six days of exposure. It’s important to speak with a health-care provider about your options.
To see the complete list of recent measles exposure locations by community in Manitoba, please visit: https://gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles-exposures.html.
Public health asks anyone who was at the Steinbach location during the specified times to check their vaccination records and verify that their measles vaccination is up to date (MMR or MMRV).
Guidance for those exposed at this location and born in 1970 or later who have never received a measles vaccine and have never had a measles infection:
- Measles vaccination is recommended.
- To reduce exposure risk, limit contact with others, especially individuals with weakened immune systems or those who are unimmunized, from day five after exposure up to and including day 21 after the latest exposure.
- Monitor for measles symptoms through the date indicated on the measles exposures website based on your situation.
- Certain individuals should not receive the measles vaccine, including infants under six months old, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. If you fall into one of these groups, contact your health-care provider or public health for guidance.
- Close contacts may be asked by public health to isolate and consider vaccination.
Additional information on measles, exposures, and immunization is available at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html. You can also reach Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free in Manitoba.
Immunization is the only reliable protection against measles. To determine whether you have been immunized, contact your local public health office, your physician, a nurse practitioner, or a pharmacist.
Manitoba runs a two-dose measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) program for children aged at least one year, with a second dose typically given at ages four to six. In the event of a measles exposure, a second dose may be given earlier than the usual four-to-six-year window. There is also an outbreak eligibility pathway for some children aged six months to under 12 months.
You can view the full eligibility criteria at: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/vaccineeligibility.html#MMR.
To receive the measles vaccine, you can visit a primary care provider, a local public health office, an Access Centre, or a Connected Care Clinic. If you need a same-day or next-day appointment at a minor injury and illness clinic or after-hours clinic, you can book online at www.medinav.ca.
Measles is an exceptionally contagious disease spread primarily through coughing or sneezing. An infected person can transmit the virus from four days before the appearance of the rash to four days after. The illness tends to be more severe in infants and young children and can be life-threatening.
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure. Early signs include fever, runny nose, fatigue, irritability, and red eyes. Small white spots may appear on the inside of the mouth or throat. A red, blotchy rash usually develops a few days after initial symptoms and spreads from the face down the body. Possible complications include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis (brain inflammation).
If you develop symptoms and suspect exposure, isolate at home and contact your health-care provider, informing them about the potential exposure. Households with unimmunized members should minimize contact with others until medical advice is received. Calling ahead helps health-care staff prepare to reduce exposure to others.
Public health will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Manitoba updates the number of measles cases online every Friday.
Would you like this rewritten update tailored for a specific audience (e.g., parents, students, or seniors), or adjusted to a shorter alert format for social media? Also, do you want an additional explainer box summarizing vaccination steps or a quick FAQ section?
