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Holiday Measles Scare in Southern Manitoba
23 Dec
Summary
- Measles exposure possible at Outpost Grill and two Manitoba schools.
- Public health urges checking immunization records for measles vaccine.
- 290 confirmed and 25 probable measles cases reported since February.
Public health officials in southern Manitoba are advising residents to monitor for measles symptoms due to potential exposures at local schools and a restaurant over the holidays. Individuals who were at the Outpost Grill near Winkler on December 13 or 15, Morden Collegiate on December 15 or 17, or Mitchell Elementary on December 15, are at risk.
Those potentially exposed are strongly encouraged to review their vaccination status and ensure they are up-to-date with the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV). Measles is a highly contagious airborne illness, and infection can occur even with brief exposure in a shared space. The virus can remain infectious in an airspace for up to two hours.
This alert is issued in the context of a significant number of measles cases, with 290 confirmed and 25 probable cases reported in the province since February. Most individuals recover within two to three weeks, but complications can affect infants, adults, and those with weakened immune systems.