Home / Health / Manitoba Measles Cases Surge 72%
Manitoba Measles Cases Surge 72%
9 May
Summary
- Manitoba sees a 72% increase in confirmed measles cases this year.
- Nearly all hospitalized patients were unimmunized or had unknown vaccine history.
- Potential measles exposure at RRC Polytech's Notre Dame campus.
Manitoba health officials have issued a warning as measles cases continue to rise significantly. Between April 26 and May 2, 30 new confirmed cases and one probable case were reported, bringing the year-to-date total to 549 confirmed and 73 probable cases.
This represents a substantial increase of 72% in confirmed cases and nearly 152% in probable cases compared to the previous year. In total, 46 individuals have been hospitalized due to the outbreak, with 23 being children under 10. Four of these were admitted to intensive care.
The vast majority of those hospitalized, around 93%, were either unimmunized or had an unknown measles vaccination status. As of April 25, Manitoba accounted for approximately 61% of Canada's 944 confirmed measles cases this year.
Provincial health officials recently alerted the public to potential measles exposures at RRC Polytech's Notre Dame campus in Winnipeg on May 4 and May 5. Individuals who were on campus during these times are advised to monitor for symptoms. Measles is a highly contagious disease spread through respiratory droplets.
