As measles cases rise throughout the province, Manitobans are encouraged to take precautions.
Dr. Aly Dhala, Vice-President of Medical Services and Chief Medical Officer for Southern Health–Santé Sud, says there are 116 confirmed cases as of June 28 — many in the southern region.
What’s the fuss?
Measles is an extremely contagious condition, spreading through the air and able to linger in a room for up to two hours.
“A person is infectious four days before and after the rash appears, making early spread hard to detect,” Dhala says.
If you think you've been exposed, Dhala encourages people to visit the Manitoba Health Measles Exposure web page to find the latest locations of nearest exposure.
He says the people highest at risk are children, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems — like cancer patients on chemotherapy.
Dhala says, “If you develop symptoms, fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, white spots inside the cheeks, or a blotchy rash, stay home and call Health Links or your nearest emergency department.”
Measles can cause complications such as ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, encephalitis — inflammation of the brain.
Serious, but preventable
“Vaccination is the best protection,” Dhala says.
He explains the MMR vaccine is typically given at age one, with the next dose between ages four and six, after confirmed exposure.
“Anyone who hasn’t received two doses of the MMR vaccination should contact public health or their family physician. Timely vaccination can still prevent illness,” Dhala says.
Dhala tells people to have honest conversations with trusted health-care providers.
“I can’t emphasize how safe vaccination is. Protecting yourself also protects the most vulnerable around.”
For more information about measles and vaccinations, visit the Southern Health–Santé Sud website or contact Health Links at 1-888-315-9257.
Written with files from Corny Rempel