Bethesda latest site of measles outbreak

Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach is the latest location to be named in the measles outbreak in the province.

Manitoba Health is notifying residents to watch for symptoms until Oct. 5 for anyone who was in the emergency room on Sept. 13 from 1:45 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.

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).

If symptoms develop, individuals who may have been exposed are advised to isolate at home and contact their health-care provider and advise them of the potential exposure to measles. Anyone else in the household who is unimmunized should limit exposure to others until the symptomatic person has received advice from their health-care provider. It is best to call ahead so health-care staff can take steps to reduce the exposure of other people to the virus.

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.

Immunization is the only means of protecting people from contracting measles. Contact an immunization provider such as a local public health office, physician or nurse practitioner to ensure everyone is up to date.

Public health is asking anyone who was at this location during the specified times to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV).

For individuals who were exposed at this location and were born in 1970 or later, and have never received a measles vaccine and have never had a measles infection, a measles vaccine is recommended; reduce exposures with others, especially anyone who has a weakened immune system or is unimmunized, from the fifth day after exposure to the 21st day after the latest exposure; watch for symptoms of measles until the date that corresponds with their situation as indicated above; certain people should not get the measles vaccine including infants less than six months of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. These individuals should contact their health-care provider or public health as they may be eligible for preventative treatment (within six days of exposure); and close contacts may be asked by public health to isolate and consider vaccination.

Further information on measles, exposures and immunization is available at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html or individuals can contact Health Links at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free in Manitoba.