Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care is expanding measles vaccine eligibility for infants affected by ongoing wildfires in the province.
Children between six months and under 12 months of age who have been evacuated from their home communities are now eligible for one dose of the MMR vaccine.
This dose is in addition to the routine immunization schedule, which already includes doses at 12 months and between four and six years of age.
Full eligibility details can be found on the province’s website at gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/vaccineeligibility.html#MMR.
New public exposure site confirmed
Public health officials have also identified a new measles exposure site in southern Manitoba.
Anyone who visited the emergency department at Boundary Trails Health Centre in Winkler on May 22 between 6 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. is being asked to monitor for symptoms until June 13.
Public health encourages those who think they were exposed to visit gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles-exposures.html.
Individuals who have not been directly contacted but believe they were exposed should call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free in Manitoba.
What to watch for
Symptoms of measles can take between seven and 21 days to appear after exposure. Early signs include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability, and red eyes. Small white spots may also appear in the mouth or throat. Several days later, a red blotchy rash typically begins on the face and spreads downward.
Complications can include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
What to do if exposed
Anyone who may have been exposed and develops symptoms is advised to isolate at home and contact their health-care provider immediately. It’s important to call ahead so staff can take precautions to reduce exposure to others.
Unvaccinated members of the same household should also limit contact with others until the symptomatic person receives medical advice.
Measles spreads easily and can be serious
Measles is extremely contagious and is spread through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing. Infected individuals are contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears. The illness tends to be more severe in infants and young children, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening.
Immunization remains the most effective protection against the disease. Manitoba’s routine vaccine program provides two doses of MMR or MMRV starting at age one. In the case of exposure, a second dose can be given earlier than the usual four-to-six-year timeline.
Cases continue to rise
As of May 31, there have been 90 confirmed measles cases in Manitoba. Public health continues to monitor the situation and will share more updates as needed.
The number of confirmed cases is updated every Wednesday on the province’s measles information webpage.
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