Steinbach hospital site of measles exposure

Bethesda Regional Health Centre is the latest reported site for measles exposure.

Announced in Tuesday’s measles update from Manitoba Health, the 84th update since they began, the exposure took place in the emergency department waiting room on Feb. 27 from 2:20 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. This comes after a Feb. 16 exposure at the Southeast Event Centre during a hockey game from 12:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

People who are not immunized and have been exposed to measles may be eligible for preventive treatment within six days of exposure and are encouraged to speak to their health-care provider.

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

For those who were exposed and were born in 1970 or later, have never received a measles vaccine and have never had a measles infection, Manitoba Health recommends they get the measles vaccine.

They should also reduce exposure to others, especially anyone with a weakened immune system or is unimmunized, from the fifth day after exposure to the 21st day after the latest exposure.

Certain people should not get the measles vaccine including infants less than six months of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

In Manitoba, a two-dose measles vaccine program for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) is routinely provided for children who are at least one year of age and again when aged four to six.

Measles is a highly infectious communicable disease that is spread by 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.

Manitoba Health says 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 and encephalitis.

The number of cases continues to rise in Manitoba.

From January 2000 to December 2024 only 18 cases were found.

In 2025 a total of 319 confirmed cases were noted.

This year so far, a total of 215 cases were confirmed with 22 cases designated as probable.