Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are notifying the public of four new measles exposure sites in southern Manitoba, including multiple locations in Carman.
Anyone who was at the following locations during the specified dates and times is asked to monitor for symptoms until the corresponding date:
Carman 5 Pin Bowl, 120 Main St. S., on Jan. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until Feb. 15.
Homestead Co-op Food Store, 61 Main St. N., on Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until Feb. 16.
Carman Golf and Curling Club (curling rink), 225 4th Ave. SW., on Jan. 26 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until Feb. 17.
Carman Community Health Centre, 360 4th St. SW., on Jan. 28 from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until Feb. 19.
Public health is also asking anyone who was at these locations during the specified times to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with a measles-containing vaccine (MMR or MMRV).
For individuals born in 1970 or later who were exposed at these locations and have never received a measles vaccine or had a measles infection, public health recommends receiving the measles vaccine. These individuals are also advised to reduce contact with others—especially those who are unimmunized or have weakened immune systems—from the fifth day after exposure to the 21st day after the latest exposure, and to watch closely for symptoms until the listed monitoring date.
Certain people should not receive the measles vaccine, including infants younger than six months, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. These individuals should contact their health-care provider or public health, as they may be eligible for preventative treatment if it can be given within six days of exposure. Close contacts may also be asked by public health to isolate and consider vaccination.
Symptoms of measles typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes, followed by small white spots inside the mouth or throat. Several days later, a red blotchy rash usually appears on the face and spreads down the body. Measles can lead to serious complications such as ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia and encephalitis.
Anyone who develops symptoms and may have been exposed is advised to isolate at home and contact their health-care provider, advising them of the potential measles exposure. Health officials recommend calling ahead so clinics can take steps to reduce the risk of exposing others.
Measles is a highly infectious communicable disease spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person can transmit the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after. The illness can be severe and, in some cases, life-threatening, particularly for infants and young children.
Immunization is the only effective protection against measles. In Manitoba, a two-dose measles vaccine program is routinely provided for children at one year of age and again between four and six years. In exposure situations, a second dose may be given earlier, and some children aged six months to under 12 months may also be eligible during an outbreak.
More information on measles, exposure sites and immunization is available at gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html, or by contacting Health Links–Info Santé at 1-204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free in Manitoba.
Public health officials say the situation continues to be monitored, with updated case numbers posted weekly on Fridays.
