Manitoba Babies Get Measles Shots Weekly

In Manitoba, an average of one infant weekly receives preventive treatment for potential measles exposure, indicating widespread disease transmission and the vulnerability of babies too young for vaccination. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Davinder Singh noted that immune globulin injections are administered if within six days of exposure, as babies under six months are ineligible for the vaccine. This situation has become increasingly concerning, with one unusual week seeing four babies receive the treatment.

Provincial data reveals 30 babies under one year old have contracted measles since an outbreak began over a year ago. February alone saw 170 confirmed and 28 probable cases across all age groups, surpassing half of 2025's total. Declining immunization rates, with only two-thirds of seven-year-olds vaccinated in 2023 and closer to half in Southern Health, are cited as a primary cause for the current measles hot spot in Canada.

Healthcare facilities are enhancing screening and infection control measures, including visitor restrictions in neonatal intensive care units at Winnipeg's Women's Hospital. These precautions are deemed essential, particularly in high-risk areas. Experts emphasize that while measles is highly contagious and severe, vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, necessitating high overall vaccination levels to interrupt transmission chains.