The emergency department at Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC) has been noted as the latest measles exposure site in the area.
Public health says anyone there on May 22nd from 6 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. is asked to monitor for symptoms until June 13th.
Individuals who think they may have been exposed at the above location are being asked to visit this website. Those who have not been directly notified are asked to contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free in Manitoba.
What to look for
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).
If symptoms develop, individuals who may have been exposed are advised to isolate at home and contact their health-care provider and advise them of the potential exposure to measles. Anyone else in the household who is unimmunized should limit exposure to others until the symptomatic person has received advice from their health-care provider. It is best to call ahead so health-care staff can take steps to reduce the exposure of other people to the virus.
Measles is a highly infectious communicable disease that 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 until four days after. The disease tends to be more severe in infants and young children and can be life-threatening.
How to protect yourself
Public Health says immunization is the only means of protecting people from contracting measles. Contact an immunization provider such as a local public health office, physician or nurse practitioner to ensure everyone is up to date.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care has expanded the measles vaccine outbreak eligibility to include children aged six months to under 12 months who have been evacuated from their home communities due to wildfires in Manitoba. One dose of MMR vaccine can be provided in addition to the routine schedule offered at 12 months of age and between four and six years old. The complete eligibility criteria can be viewed here.
In Manitoba, a two-dose measles vaccine program for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMR or MMRV) is routinely provided for children who are at least one year of age and again when aged four to six. In the case of a measles exposure, a second dose may be given earlier than four to six years of age.
Public health officials will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updated information as necessary.
Click here for general information on measles, including immunization or call Health Links-Info Santé in Winnipeg at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free in Manitoba).