Brandon shopping mall confirmed as measles exposure site

Manitoba health officials have identified a new measles exposure site at a Brandon shopping mall, as confirmed cases of the infectious disease continue to rise in the province.  

The province said in a news release Tuesday that anyone who was at Brandon's Shoppers Mall between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on June 29 is asked to monitor for symptoms until July 21. 

Public health also asks people who were in the mall during that time to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with their measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV).

People who were exposed to measles, born in 1970 or later and have never received a measles vaccine or had a measles infection should get the measles vaccine, the province said.

Those who were exposed are asked to continue watching for symptoms until July 21. 

Measles is highly infectious and spreads 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 that.

Symptoms generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure, and may include a fever, runny nose, drowsiness and red eyes. Small white spots can also appear on the inside of the mouth or throat, the province said.

If symptoms develop, people who may have been exposed are advised to isolate at home and contact their health-care provider. 

The province also stressed that immunization is the "only means of protecting people from contracting measles."

Certain people should not get the measles vaccine, including infants younger than six months, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, the province said. 

Those individuals should contact a health-care provider or public health, as they may be eligible for preventative treatment. 

As of June 28, there were 116 confirmed cases and another eight probable cases of measles in Manitoba this year, provincial data says.

Public health officials say they will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updated information as necessary.

The province is expected to release another measles update on Wednesday.