Public health officials have announced a series of new measles exposure sites in Southern Manitoba, with two in Winkler. Public health is also advising some of the recent measles cases did not have any known contact to a case.
According to Manitoba Health's latest measles data, through May 24th there have been 72 confirmed cases since the start of the year, with 4 additional probable cases. Meanwhile, according to Health Canada's weekly measles and rubella monitoring program 2,515 measles cases (2,197 confirmed, 318 probable) have been reported since the beginning in 2025. Nationally from May 11th to 17th, 354 new measles cases (309 confirmed, 45 probable) were reported.
According to Manitoba Health, the majority of cases are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children who have been exposed in their communities.
In response, Manitoba Public Health has expanded eligibility for measles containing vaccine. Effective May 14th, children aged 6 months to under 12 months residing in Southern Health-Santé Sud (SH-SS) or Interlake Eastern (IERHA), or who travel regularly to AND have close contact with residents of SH-SS or IERHA, are eligible for one dose of MMR in addition to the routine schedule offered at 12 months and 4-6 years.
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).
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.