Measles outbreak spreads in Southeast

While the majority of new measles exposure sites continue to be in south central Manitoba, recent updates have indicated it is spreading in the Southeast as well.

A June 6 provincial update indicated an exposure at Green Valley School in Grunthal, which took place May 20. Anyone exposed then was only told to monitor symptoms until June 11.

The following week, a June 13 update included the Steinbach QuickCare Clinic on Stone Bridge Crossing. Exposure may have happened from 12:40 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Anyone who was there at that time is asked to monitor symptoms until July 2.

A June 17 update also included a Steinbach address along with two Winkler sites and one Manitou site.

Exposure was possible on June 1 at the Steinbach Church of God from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone who was there at that time is asked to monitor symptoms until June 23.

Public Health is asking anyone who was in these locations to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV).

People who were exposed and born in 1970 or later and have never had a measles vaccine or infection are urged to get vaccinated.

They’re also encouraged to reduce exposures with others, especially those with a weakened immune system or unimmunized from the fifth day after exposure to the 21st day after the latest exposure.

According to Public Health, certain people should not get the measles vaccine including infants less than six months old, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of measles generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure.

Initial symptoms can 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 and encephalitis.

Measles is a highly infectious 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. It is more severe in infants and young children and can be life-threatening.