At the same time Manitoba is ushering in the warmer temperatures of springtime, even hitting record highs in Winnipeg, we are also seeing the largest measles outbreak in nearly 30 years along with fires and floods that are sweeping through the province at a rapid pace. All of these events can impact physicians’ practice and the communities they serve. 

MEASLES

Canada is now experiencing the largest measles outbreak since the highly contagious respiratory disease was declared eliminated here in 1998. So far, more than 2,000 measles cases have been reported across the country in seven jurisdictions, including Manitoba.

MANITOBA’S NUMBERS: There are now 44 confirmed, recorded cases in the province, more than doubling last week’s count of 20. That number is certain to increase. More potential exposure sites were also announced this week, including in Winkler, Gretna, and Boissevain. Health officials will investigate the exposures and report as needed on risks. 

• Update on Sat May 17: Public Health confirmed exposure sites in Winnipeg, including at a music festival and local restaurant. See new sites here.

PROVINCE EXPANDS VACCINE ELIGIBILITY: In Manitoba, as well as around the country, the majority of measles cases are unvaccinated children who have been exposed in their communities. As a result, Manitoba Public Health has expanded eligibility for a measles vaccine.

As of May 14^th, children aged 6 to under12 months who meet the following criteria are now able to receive one dose of MMR in addition to the routine schedule offered at 12 months and 4 — 6 years IF:

• They reside in Southern Health-Santé Sud (SH-SS) or Interlake Eastern (IERHA), OR

• They travel regularly to AND have close contact with residents of SH-SS or IERHA,

Previously, eligibility was limited to 12 months or older with few exceptions.

See the vaccine eligibility bulletin here.

IF YOU SUSPECT A PATIENT HAS MEASLES: Send a nasopharyngeal swab for measles PCR and measles serology. The province advises that if clinical suspicion is high for measles, health care providers are required to notify Public Health on the same day by sending this clinical notification form even before test results are back. In addition, the Medical Officer of Health on-call (204−788−8666) should be notified after-hours.

Please refer to the measles (rubeola) communicable disease protocol as well as our update from last week for further information.

FIRES

Heading into the May Long Weekend, officials are urging Manitobans to heed warnings as fires sweep through thousands of acres of land in the province. As of Thursday, there were 21 fires burning in the province, with a total of 80 recorded so far this season, fire officials said at the news conference. The 20-year average for fires by this time of year is 48.

Two people died this week after being trapped in an out-of-control wildfire in Lac du Bonnet. ​“This latest turn in this year’s wildfire situation hits on a different emotional level,” Premier Wab Kinew said at a press conference. 

→ Doctors should be aware of the fires to support the local response, evacuated individuals, and the broader health risks from wildfire smoke. Here are several important resources to monitor as you care for your patients, as well as yourself and your loved ones:

• The FireView map from the Manitoba government illustrates the location and status of current wildfire activity in Manitoba

• Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)’s Air Quality Advisory for Manitoba will lead you to information about poor air quality and reduced visibility which are expected over the next few days. The warning is for Winnipeg and most of eastern and southeastern Manitoba, ranging from Emerson up to the Little Grand Rapids. 

  • Officials have warned the public that they may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. 

• Fire Bulletins from the Manitoba government provide information on evacuations and states of emergency

→ Floods and high winds are possible through the weekend: The province has issued an overland flood watch for Southwestern Manitoba and high wind effect warning for parts of Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg. 

• As always, floods have the potential to disrupt health service access, and cause health events. Watch for local updates.