A virtual town hall last week sought to inform Manitobans about the ongoing measles outbreak and answer questions from the public.
The session was led by Dr. Jazz Atwal, deputy chief provincial public health officer, who addressed concerns about the severity of the outbreak, particularly in southern Manitoba.
“Manitoba is experiencing a significant measles outbreak with ongoing transmission. We’ve got cases that have been rising across the province throughout 2026,” Atwal said. “We’re seeing this most impactfully in Southern Health, which is why we’re focused on communities in this region.”
Atwal stressed that measles is one of the most contagious diseases and can lead to serious complications.
“One of the most common misconceptions about measles is that it’s just a common childhood illness,” he said. “In fact, it’s one of the most highly contagious diseases we know, and it can also lead to serious complications.
“It spreads easily through the air when someone coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in the air for hours after a person with measles has left the room,” Atwal said. “So it can easily spread in places where we gather — schools, workplaces and community spaces.”
He noted that measles cases have continued to rise since first increasing in Manitoba in 2025.
“We have a degree of uncontrolled transmission occurring throughout Manitoba. We have cases in all regions of the province, but most are in Southern Health.”
Questions from participants focused on why measles has been on the rise. Atwal said several factors have contributed to the increase, including anti-vaccination sentiments, and encouraged parents to speak with trusted health-care providers about immunization.
“Well, first and foremost, before your child possibly ends up getting measles, I think it’s worthwhile to connect with your health-care provider — the person you trust — and ask about vaccinations,” he said. “Ensure that, if vaccination is recommended, it is available for your child.”
Atwal also noted that measles can resemble other viral illnesses, making diagnosis difficult without proper assessment.
“So just because someone has a viral illness with a cough and runny nose and develops a rash, that could mean it’s measles, but it could also mean other things,” he said. “The best thing to do is isolate the child, contact your health-care provider and have the child assessed to determine whether measles is a concern.”
Another question came from someone vaccinated against measles in the 1970s who wondered whether she was still protected.
“People born before 1970 are generally considered immune to measles because they were likely exposed to it while growing up,” Atwal said.
He estimated that one dose of vaccine provides about 93 per cent protection against the virus, while two doses provide about 97 per cent protection.
“So yes, if you had even one dose in the 1970s, and you are not considered high risk or dealing with other medical conditions, that vaccine should still be effective for you,” he said.
More information about measles is available on the Manitoba government website.
