7 measles cases confirmed in Manitoba during 1st week of June

There were seven confirmed measles cases and four probable cases in the province during first week of June, Manitoba Public Health says.

The most current data available, posted Wednesday, only goes to June 7.

Altogether, there have been 98 confirmed and eight probable measles cases in the province this year. In May alone, Manitoba reported 72 confirmed and four probable measles cases.

Canada's measles outbreak, which began in October 2024, has grown to the point that the country is at risk of losing its measles elimination status — a bar set by the World Health Organization — if the outbreak isn't contained in the coming months.

The virus spreads through droplets formed in the air when coughing or sneezing, and an infected person can spread the virus from four days before the measles rash appears until four days after that.

Measles 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.

Immunization is the only way to protect people from contracting measles, health officials say. 

The vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) is routinely given after kids turn one, with a second shot given at age four to six in Manitoba. If a child is exposed to measles, the second dose can be given earlier.

Last week, the province expanded vaccine eligibility to start at six months for children who were evacuated from their communities because of wildfires and who may be staying in southern Manitoba, where there have been measles outbreaks.

Manitoba has also expanded eligibility for vaccines to infants as young as six months old living in the Southern Health region and the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority area.