Measles Update
Manitoba is enduring its worst measles outbreak in decades. In a press conference Thursday, February 12, Manitoba’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin stressed the importance of accurate vaccine information, increased access, and individual patient-provider conversations to continue to build trust and help improve uptake.
The measles outbreak is most vast in areas of Manitoba where vaccination rates are low and are largely affecting unvaccinated children.
Resources for Physicians
We are closely monitoring provincial updates to ensure you have the information you and your patients need to navigate the outbreak.
A Quick Reference Guide provided by Manitoba Public Health aims to support clinicians in recognizing and responding to measles cases and contacts.
Manitoba Public Health continues to monitor for measles cases and exposures.
View the exposure locations in Manitoba.
Active screening for measles-related symptoms are in effect for visitors to HSC Women’s Hospital, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Children’s Hospital, and Ambulatory Care Clinics. Entry may be restricted if there is a risk of measles. Screening may be expanded to other areas of the hospital as needed. You can read more about this change here.
Track cases across Canada on the federal government’s measles and rubella weekly monitoring report.
Memos to Health Care Providers
February 12, 2026 — Eligibility Expansion for MMR vaccine for Infants 6 to Under 12 Months of Age
This memo notes significant measles transmission occurred during Manitoba Ag Days, which took place January 20, 2026, in Brandon. At the time the memo was issued, more than 35 measles cases may have acquired their infection during the event have been identified across Manitoba along with many new public exposure locations. Investigations are ongoing. Due to the large number of attendees and exhibitors from across Manitoba and other provinces and the United States of America, more measles cases will likely be identified in the coming weeks, but the true number may be unknown due to underreporting.
February 9, 2026 — Maximizing protection for infants against measles
This memo notes there is ongoing widespread community transmission of measles in the Rural Municipalities (RMs) of Stanley, Rhineland, Thompson, Dufferin and Roland. Individuals that live in, travel to, or have close contacts in the RMs listed above are at high risk of exposure to measles. Infants living in the RMs listed above are strongly recommended to receive an early dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine if eligible.
Vaccine Eligibility
As the number of cases increases, so too have provincial requirements for vaccine eligibility.
As of February 12, 2026, children aged 6 to under 12 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 Prairie Mountain Health (PMH), 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
Here is a list of resources to keep in mind as the measles outbreak continues:
Measles (rubeola) communicable disease protocol.
Manitoba Public Health updates its tally on Wednesdays. Information can be found here.
Information about what to do if you suspect a patient has measles can be found here.
Tips for Talking to Patients
Health care providers are asked to continue recommending measles vaccinations to patients. We know this can be increasingly challenging at a time when health misinformation is rapidly on the rise.
How you can help: Keep the conversations going.
- Patient views on vaccines are not black and white — it’s not simply for or against. Sometimes called the“moveable middle,” patients will often seek more information from trusted sources – including physicians – to feel more confident about their view.
- The Communicator Matters. Physicians are the most trusted profession or institution when it comes to vaccines. Your advice will often help patients make a final decision about getting immunized.
- The Message Matters. Patients favour a clear and strong recommendation from a physician. This can be accompanied by ensuring patients are aware of the risks of immunization, as well as the risks of the disease which are nearly always greater than the limited risks posed by the vaccine.
- The Approach Matters. No one likes to hear they are wrong, even if they have misinformation they found online. When information is but a‘mouse click’ away, it is very easy to find confusing and conflicting information. Consider using a motivational interviewing approach with patients who may be hesitant or undecided about the vaccines. This includes:
- Inquire: What have you heard?
- Affirm: Let the patient know they have been heard
- Correct, briefly, but avoid“that’s not true” statements
- Redirect the discussion to the benefits.
- Consider each patient individually in how you respond to hesitancy about the vaccine.
- Use an empathetic and affirming approach. Many patients will already have a“vaccine story” formed from what they’ve heard, and sometimes this includes misinformation. Show you understand their concern, and pivot to offering new information responsive to their concern in a supportive manner that is consistent with your clinical judgement.“That’s a valid concern” (if you agree) or“I understand why you’re worried about that.”
- Ensure balanced and informed consent. Like any medical treatment, a vaccine requires informed consent from the patient. This should include a discussion not only about the risks from the vaccine, but the risks of contracting measles.
- Provide a clear recommendation to get the vaccine, if medically appropriate.“For what it’s worth, I would recommend the vaccine for you.” You can reassure patients that you have received the vaccine yourself.
- Continue the Conversation. A“no” today may not be a no in the future. Continue the discussion during your next encounter with the patient, continuing to offer supportive information and a clear recommendation.
Adapted from Doctors Manitoba’s 2021 Guide to Responding to Vaccine Hesitancy