Measles Update
Manitoba is enduring its worst measles outbreak in decades. We are closely monitoring provincial updates to ensure you have the information you and your patients need to navigate the outbreak.
A new Quick Reference Guide provided by Manitoba Public Health aims to support clinicians in recognizing and responding to measles cases and contacts.
There are now 98 confirmed cases of measles in Manitoba and 8 probable ones. Manitoba Public Health continues to monitor for measles cases and exposures that occur from cases in Manitoba, and exposures from out-of-province travellers to Manitoba. View the exposure locations in Manitoba.
The latest measles exposure sites include:
- Green Valley School, 212 Oak Ave., Grunthal, on May 20 from 8:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Anyone who was there at that time is asked to monitor symptoms until June 11.
- Manitoba Museum, 190 Rupert Ave., Winnipeg, on May 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Anyone who was there at that time is asked to monitor symptoms until June 11.
Vaccine Eligibility
As the number of cases increases, so too have provincial requirements for vaccine eligibility.
As of May 14th, 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 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
The province has also expanded vaccine eligibility to include children aged six months to under 12 months who have been evacuated due to the fires.
Previously, eligibility was limited to 12 months or older with few exceptions.
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.