Public Health Alerts Winnipeg Residents to Measles Exposure

Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care has issued a warning regarding potential exposure to measles at three locations in Winnipeg. The alert comes following confirmed cases of the virus, prompting health officials to advise individuals who visited these sites to monitor for symptoms and take necessary precautions.

Measles Exposure Locations and Times

The identified exposure locations include Carpathia School, located at 300 Carpathia Rd., where individuals may have been exposed from September 16 to 19, 2023, between 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day. Those who were present during this time are advised to watch for symptoms until October 8 to 11, 2023, depending on their specific date of exposure.

Additional exposure sites include the Urban Pulse Medical Clinic at 1108 St. James St. on September 22, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., and a McDonald’s restaurant at 1440 Ellice Ave. on the same day from noon to 3 p.m. Individuals who visited either of these locations should monitor for symptoms until October 14, 2023.

Recommendations for the Public

Public health officials recommend that anyone who was present at the aforementioned sites verify their immunization status. Those born in 1970 or later who have not received a measles vaccine or have not had a measles infection are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. Individuals exposed to the virus are advised to limit contact with others, particularly those who are unvaccinated or have weakened immune systems, from the fifth day after exposure through the 21st day after the most recent exposure.

Symptoms of measles include a cough, runny nose, red eyes, fever, and a rash. Certain individuals, such as infants under six months, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, should not receive the measles vaccine. Instead, they are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider or local public health officials, as they may qualify for preventive treatment within six days of exposure.

Close contacts of exposed individuals might be asked to isolate or consider vaccination based on their individual health circumstances. For more detailed information, residents can visit the official Manitoba Health website at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html or contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free across Manitoba.