Home / Health / Measles Cases Rise in Manitoba Amidst National Outbreak
Measles Cases Rise in Manitoba Amidst National Outbreak
22 Nov
Summary
- Manitoba confirmed 253 measles cases by November 15.
- Most infected individuals in Manitoba were unvaccinated.
- Canada lost its measles elimination status recently.
Manitoba has seen a significant increase in measles cases, with 253 confirmed infections by November 15. Health officials reported four new cases in the second week of November, bringing the total number of probable cases to 18. Of the confirmed infections, most individuals had not been vaccinated against the highly contagious disease.
This local surge mirrors a national trend, as Canada recently lost its measles elimination status. The country has reported over 5,000 cases since last fall. Sixteen measles patients in Manitoba have required hospitalization this year, including 13 children under age 10.
Measles is a highly infectious airborne disease, with symptoms appearing seven to 21 days after exposure. Immunization remains the sole protective measure against the virus. While no deaths have been reported in Manitoba, measles has been fatal for two premature infants elsewhere in the country.
