Public health officials are alerting residents to two recent measles exposure sites in Portage la Prairie, as Manitoba continues to see a rise in confirmed cases.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care says one exposure occurred at the Portage McDonald’s on May 26 between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The second took place at the Portage Hospital Emergency Department from 6 p.m. on May 26 to 1 a.m. on May 27.
Health officials note that some of the latest measles cases have no known contact with previously confirmed cases, suggesting the virus may be spreading within the community.
Officials urge exposed individuals to contact Health Links
Anyone who was at either location during those times and hasn’t been directly contacted by public health is being asked to call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free within Manitoba.
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Early signs may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. White spots can develop on the inside of the mouth or throat. A red, blotchy rash usually appears on the face a few days later and spreads down the body.
Highly contagious and potentially serious
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can be transmitted from four days before the rash appears to four days after.
Complications can include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and in some cases, encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. Infants and young children are most at risk for severe illness, and the disease can be life-threatening.
If symptoms develop, individuals who may have been exposed should isolate at home and call their health-care provider before visiting a clinic or hospital. Household members who are not immunized should also limit contact with others until medical advice is received.
Vaccination remains the best defence
Immunization is the most effective way to protect against measles. In Manitoba, the two-dose measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV) is routinely given to children at one year of age and again between the ages of four and six. Following a confirmed exposure, the second dose may be given earlier.
The province has recorded 72 confirmed measles cases so far this year. The total is updated weekly on Wednesdays on the Manitoba Health website.
For more information on measles and immunization, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html or contact Health Links–Info Santé.
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