Manitoba Health

Measles

Measles is one of the most highly contagious diseases characterized by a red, blotchy rash. The measles virus spreads through close personal contact with an infected person and through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be spread by droplets that can stay in the air for several hours. Infection can result in serious illness or death.

February 2025 Update

Public Health officials have identified five confirmed cases of measles in southern Manitoba, all connected to an outbreak in Ontario. Public Health is investigating and relevant updates will be posted in this space.

As of January 29, 2025, 81 cases (54 confirmed and 27 probable) of measles have been reported in Ontario in 2024 and 2025.

People who were at the following locations are being notified of the possibility of having been exposed to measles virus:

Exposure Sites	Exposure Date and Time	Monitor Symptoms Until:
Reinland Mennonite Church 200 Redhawk Trail, Winkler – Sunday School and Main Service	January 26, 2025 – 9:15am - 12:30pm	February 16, 2025
Health Sciences Center, Winnipeg – First floor children’s laboratory, and waiting rooms of Clinic X and Clinic W	January 31, 2025 – 11:30am – 2:00pm	February 21, 2025
Health Sciences Center, Winnipeg – Orange Bison Zone Level 1 in and around Guildy's Eatery and the adjacent corridors	January 31, 2025 – 12:00 - 3:00pm	February 21, 2025
Health Sciences Center Winnipeg – Fourth Floor Cardiology Clinic and waiting room in Children’s Hospital	January 31, 2025 – 1:00-4:00pm	February 21, 2025

The public health investigation is ongoing and additional exposure locations may be added. As more contacts are identified, individuals may be asked to isolate and consider vaccination.

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

If you were born before 1970 or if you have ever received a measles vaccine, it is unlikely that you will get the disease.

However, as a precaution, watch for symptoms of measles until the date indicated in the sites, dates and times of exposure table (the one that corresponds with your situation). To know the symptoms of measles and what to do if you have symptoms, visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html.

If you were exposed in these locations AND born in 1970 or later AND have never received a measles vaccine, AND have never had a measles infection, you should:

Reduce exposures with others, especially anyone who has a weakened immune system or is unimmunized, from the 5th day after exposure to the 21st day after the latest exposure. Note: Individuals are not contagious in the first 4 days following the first exposure.
Get vaccinated. Measles vaccine is recommended.
Watch for symptoms of measles until the date that corresponds with your situation as indicated in the table above. To know the symptoms of measles and what to do if you have symptoms, visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html.

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.

If symptoms develop, isolate at home and contact your health care provider and advise them of your potential exposure to measles. It is best to call ahead so health-care staff can take steps to reduce the exposure of other people to the virus.

Symptoms

Symptoms begin to appear 7-21 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 (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain inflammation) that can lead to seizures, brain damage or death. Measles occurring during pregnancy has been associated with spontaneous abortion, premature delivery and babies born with low birth weight.

Causes

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. It spreads through close personal contact with an infected person’s mucous or saliva and through the air from coughing and sneezing. Although not common, the measles virus may also spread through contact with objects that were recently exposed to an infected person’s mucous or saliva from coughing and sneezing. The virus can be spread by droplets that can stay in the air for several hours.

An infected person is contagious and able to spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after.

Treatment

There is no cure for measles. Current treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms.

Most people recover fully from measles within 2 to 3 weeks. Complications are more common in infants and adults and those with weakened immune systems.

Prevention

Measles can be prevented through immunization. Measles vaccine is offered free-of-charge as part of Manitoba’s Recommended Routine Immunization Schedule and to those who meet Manitoba’s eligibility criteria. Other precautions can be taken, including practicing good hand hygiene, covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze, and avoiding sharing personal items such as water bottles, lip gloss and cigarettes.