Public Health Officials Warn of Measles Exposure in Manitoba

Public health officials in Manitoba are urging residents to remain vigilant for symptoms of measles following confirmed exposure at several locations in the southern region. The potential exposures occurred at two schools and a restaurant, prompting health authorities to issue specific monitoring guidelines for individuals who were present at those sites.

Individuals who visited the Outpost Grill, situated at the junction of Highways 3 and 14 near Winkler, are particularly advised to be alert for signs of measles. Those who were at the restaurant on December 13, 2025, between 14:00 and 21:00 should monitor their health until January 4, 2026. Similarly, patrons at the same restaurant on December 15, 2025, from 09:00 to 17:00 are advised to observe for symptoms until January 6, 2026.

The risk of exposure extends beyond the restaurant. Health officials have also identified potential measles exposure at Morden Collegiate in Morden and Mitchell Elementary School in Mitchell. Individuals present at Morden Collegiate on December 15, 2025, between 08:50 and 17:40 should monitor their health until January 6, 2026. Furthermore, anyone who attended the high school during the same hours on December 17, 2025, is advised to remain vigilant until January 8, 2026. At Mitchell Elementary, those who were there on December 15, 2025, from 08:30 to 17:30 should also check for symptoms until January 6, 2026.

Officials strongly recommend that anyone who visited these locations verify their immunization status to ensure they are up to date with the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV). These recommendations come in light of a concerning rise in cases, with a reported 290 confirmed cases and 25 probable cases of measles in Manitoba since February 2023. Notably, nearly 90% of those cases involved individuals who were unvaccinated.

Measles is an extremely contagious disease that spreads via droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, posing a risk of infection to anyone who enters that space. While most individuals recover within two to three weeks, complications can arise, especially among infants, adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

As the holiday season approaches, public health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and awareness. The situation highlights the critical need for communities to remain informed and proactive in protecting public health.