Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are notifying the public of two new confirmed cases of measles in the Southern Health-Santé Sud region with recent international travel to Mexico.
The individuals both attended Southwood School in the Garden Valley School Division. Anyone who was at the school during school hours or after school until 5:30 p.m. on April 14 and 15, or rode school bus #2683 between 8 a.m. and 10:35 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. those two days may have been exposed, and should monitor symptoms until May 7. All families of students, school staff and volunteers will be receiving letters with this information.
Public health is asking individuals who think they may have been exposed in the following locations but have not been directly notified, to contact Health Links-Info Santé (in Winnipeg at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free in Manitoba)
Symptoms of measles generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Initial symptoms may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat.
Several days after the initial symptoms, a red blotchy rash appears on the face and progresses down the body. Measles can lead to complications including ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain inflammation).
If symptoms develop, individuals who may have been exposed are advised to isolate at home and contact their health-care provider and advise them of the potential exposure to measles. Anyone else in the household who is unimmunized should limit exposure to others until the symptomatic person has received advice from their health-care provider. It is best to call ahead so health-care staff can take steps to reduce the exposure of others to the virus.
Measles is a highly infectious communicable disease spread through droplets in the air formed when coughing or sneezing. An infected person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after. The disease tends to be more severe in infants and young children, and can be life threatening.
Immunization is the only means of protecting people from contracting measles. Contact an immunization provider such as a local public health office, physician or nurse practitioner to ensure everyone is up to date.
In Manitoba, a two-dose measles vaccine program for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMR or MMRV) is routinely provided for children who are at least one year of age and again when aged four to six. In the case of a measles exposure, a second dose may be given earlier than four to six years of age.
Public health officials will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updated information as necessary.
For general information on measles, including immunization, visit: Measles | Health | Province of Manitoba or call Health Links-Info Santé in Winnipeg at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) in Manitoba.
