Potential Measles exposure in Manitoba: Public Health Advises Vigilance
Manitoba Public Health is alerting individuals who may have been exposed to measles at two locations in Winkler during late July. Anyone who visited the following sites during the specified times is advised to monitor for symptoms:
TH 14 (Tim Hortons) on July 26th from 10:15 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Individuals perhaps exposed should monitor for symptoms until August 18th.
C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre urgent care,located at 385 Main St., Winkler, on July 25th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Symptom monitoring should continue until August 17th for those who were present.
Public health officials are urging everyone who was at these locations during the identified times to review their immunization records and confirm they are current wiht their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV).
Recommendations for Those Potentially Exposed (Born in 1970 or Later):
Individuals born in 1970 or later who have never received a measles vaccine and have never had a measles infection are advised to:
Consider vaccination: The measles vaccine is recommended for these individuals.
Limit contact: Reduce contact with others,notably those with compromised immune systems or who are unvaccinated,for 21 days following the latest date of potential exposure (starting five days after exposure).
Monitor for symptoms: Watch for signs of measles until the appropriate date based on their exposure (August 18th for TH 14, August 17th for C.W. Wiebe Medical centre).
Important Vaccine Considerations:
Certain individuals should not receive the measles vaccine, including infants under six months of age, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.These individuals should contact their healthcare provider or public health immediately, as preventative treatment may be available within six days of exposure.
Public health may also request close contacts to isolate and consider vaccination.
Measles Symptoms and What to Do:
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure. Initial signs include fever, a runny nose, fatigue, irritability, and red eyes. Small white spots may appear inside the mouth or throat. A red,blotchy rash usually develops on the face and spreads down the body several days later.
Measles can lead to serious complications such as ear infections,diarrhea,pneumonia,and encephalitis (brain inflammation).
If symptoms develop, individuals who may have been exposed should isolate themselves at home and contact their healthcare provider, informing them of the potential measles exposure. Household members who are unvaccinated should also limit their contact with others until they receive guidance from a healthcare professional. Calling ahead to healthcare facilities is recommended to allow staff to take appropriate precautions.
About Measles & Prevention:
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease spread through respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. An infected person can transmit the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after. The illness is generally more severe in infants and young children and can be life-threatening.
Immunization is the only effective way to protect against measles. Individuals are encouraged to contact their local public health office, physician, or nurse practitioner to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date.
Manitoba’s Vaccination Program:
Manitoba provides routine measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMR or MMRV) vaccinations to children at least one year old, with a second dose administered between ages four and six. In the event of a measles exposure,a second dose might potentially be given earlier than typically scheduled.there is also outbreak eligibility for some children aged six months to under 12 months. Detailed eligibility criteria can be found at https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/vaccineeligibility.html#MMR.For more details:
Visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html
* Contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 (Winnipeg) or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free in Manitoba).
