Home / Health / Manitoba Measles Outbreak Persists: A Year On
Manitoba Measles Outbreak Persists: A Year On
5 Feb
Summary
- Manitoba faces ongoing measles outbreak, with 371 confirmed cases.
- Southern Health region reports most cases due to low vaccination rates.
- Vaccine hesitancy cited as a major barrier to controlling the outbreak.
It has been one year since the first measles cases were reported in Manitoba, and the highly contagious disease's spread shows no signs of abating.
As of January 24, 2026, Manitoba has recorded 371 confirmed and 32 probable measles cases. The Southern Health region has borne the brunt, accounting for approximately eight in every 10 cases. This outbreak's persistence is attributed to low measles vaccination rates in this region.
Most individuals contracting measles are unvaccinated, with vaccine safety concerns and a perceived lack of severity being common reasons for hesitancy. Health officials are actively working with educational institutions and healthcare providers to disseminate accurate information and address root causes of distrust.
The ongoing outbreak has placed considerable strain on Manitoba's emergency departments and administrative units due to necessary contact tracing and public alerts. Since February 2025, 22 people have been hospitalized with measles, including 16 children under 10, with two requiring intensive care.
Efforts to boost immunization include expanding vaccine eligibility to infants as young as six months in Southern Health. Health authorities emphasize that localized conversations, led by trusted local healthcare providers, can foster greater willingness to consider vaccination and address concerns without shame.
