Manitoba reports 10 new measles cases, warns of 2 recent exposure sites

Cases confirmed Aug. 16-23, with new exposure sites reported in southern Manitoba.

The number of measles cases reported in Manitoba so far this year has risen to 187 confirmed and 11 probable cases. CBC

CBC News, August 27, 2025

Ten measles cases were confirmed in Manitoba during the third week of August.

The number of measles cases reported in Manitoba so far this year has risen to 187 confirmed and 11 probable cases, says provincial data that goes up to Aug. 23, released Wednesday.

Manitoba has seen 20 new cases in August so far.

Two new measles exposure sites were also announced by the province this week.

Anyone who was at Winkler’s C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre on Aug. 21 between 8:45 and 11:30 a.m. or Morden’s Focal Point Comprehensive Vision Care from 4 to 10 p.m. the same day is advised to monitor for symptoms until Sept. 12, the province said in a bulletin on Tuesday.

People who were at an exposure site during the times listed should check their immunization records to see if and when they were vaccinated against measles, the province said. Those born before 1970 and/or who are vaccinated are unlikely to get the measles but should watch for symptoms.

Unvaccinated people born in 1970 or later who have never had measles and have been exposed should watch for symptoms and avoid exposing others, particularly those with weaker immune systems, from the fifth to the 21st day after exposure.

A list with detailed information about the locations, times and days of public exposure to measles is available on the province’s website.

Measles is a highly infectious disease that spreads through droplets formed in the air when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. Even a few minutes in the same space as a sick person poses infection risks, as the virus can linger on surfaces for two hours after an infected person leaves.

Symptoms of measles generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure, and may include a fever, runny nose, drowsiness and red eyes. Small white spots can also appear on the inside of the mouth or throat.

The characteristic rash appears several days after initial symptoms.

Immunization is the only way to protect people from contracting measles, the province said.

A two-dose measles vaccine program for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) is routinely provided for kids at least one year old and again at age four to six in Manitoba. If a child is exposed to measles, a second dose can be given earlier.

Manitoba has expanded eligibility for vaccines to infants as young as six months living in the Southern Health region and the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority area.

Early vaccination is also offered to children who were evacuated from their communities because of wildfires and who may be staying in southern Manitoba, where there have been measles outbreaks.

Source CBC News