More than half of Canada’s total reported measles cases are Manitoba-based and show no signs of slowing down. 

• A Brandon farm show in January is now linked to more than 35 cases and counting 

• Attendees at the Winnipeg Jets game February 4^th are being asked to monitor for symptoms after an exposure at Canada Life Centre 

• Manitoba has more than 70 cases on record for January, by far the highest in Canada 

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin is very strongly recommending unvaccinated Manitobans discuss immunization with their physicians, as it is the best way to protect against measles. This week Public Health expanded vaccine eligibility in Prairie Mountain Health Region where measles is spreading rapidly. 

What physicians need to know:

• Eligibility expansion: Rapid measles transmission within Prairie Mountain Health Region has prompted the province to expand vaccine eligibility to infants aged 6 – 12 months there, joining Southern Health-Santé Sud and Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority. 

• Maximizing infant protection: With widespread transmission in the RMs of Stanley, Rhineland, Thompson, Dufferin and Roland, in particular, unvaccinated infants are at a particularly high risk of contracting the virus. 

• Impact on medical facilities: Patients with suspected measles should be reminded to call ahead to ensure proper protective measures can be observed. 

Doctors Manitoba President Dr. Nichelle Desilets, a family physician in Neepawa, spoke with the national CBC Radio’s national program, As It Happens, about the strain measles is having on Manitoba’s health system and the unknowns about how to treat a disease that was long considered eradicated. Listen to the full episode.

Resources for you: Visit the Doctors Manitoba Measles Updates page where we have the latest provincial memos to health care providers, advice for talking to patients about immunization, and other resources curated for Manitoba’s physicians.