Measles outbreak comes to Southeast

The measles outbreak that has hit the U.S. and Canada has now made its way to the Southeast.

Children at École Dugald School in Dugald are the latest victims to be exposed to this communicable disease. Exposure is expected to have happened sometime between April 29, April 30, and May 2 from 8:45 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. Symptoms should be monitored until May 24.

The number of confirmed cases in Manitoba has hit 44 with the bulk of it coming in May with a reported 26 cases and 12 in April.

Measles is highly contagious and is caused by a virus that is spread through mucus or saliva in the air when sneezing or coughing.

The number of measles cases in Manitoba is on the rise. Measles can spread for days before a rash develops, therefore some people may have been exposed to measles without knowing it. Southern Health is asking everyone to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with all recommended doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV), especially if they may have been exposed to someone with measles.

Anyone born before 1970 or anyone who has received a measles vaccine, is unlikely to get the disease. However, as a precaution, anyone who may have been exposed to the disease should watch for symptoms.

Anyone exposed to the measles, born in 1970 or later, has never received a measles vaccine, and has never had a measles infection, should: Reduce exposures with others, especially anyone who has a weakened immune system, is pregnant, or is unimmunized, from the fifth day after exposure to the 21st day after the latest exposure; get vaccinated; watch for symptoms of measles until the date that corresponds with your situation as indicated in the table on Manitoba Government website; and close contacts may be asked by public health to isolate and consider vaccination.

Symptoms begin to appear seven to 21 days after being exposed to the virus in people who are susceptible to measles. Initial symptoms may include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat. The characteristic red blotchy rash can appear three to seven days after the initial symptoms (on average 14 days after exposure). The rash typically begins on the face and progresses down the body.

Measles infection can lead to complications, including ear infections, pneumonia and encephalitis (brain inflammation) that can lead to seizures, brain damage or death. Measles occurring during pregnancy has been associated with miscarriage, premature delivery and babies born with low birth weight.

If symptoms develop, isolate at home and contact your health care provider and advise them of your potential exposure to measles. Before going to a healthcare facility or medical clinic, it is best to call ahead so health-care staff can take steps to reduce the exposure of other people to the virus.