Manitoba warns of measles exposure at sites in Steinbach, Winkler, Manitou

Manitoba health officials announced Tuesday that four new measles exposure sites have been identified in southern Manitoba. 

The Manitou Motor Inn in Manitou, the Triangle Oasis Restaurant in Winkler, VB's Entertainment Center in Winkler and the Steinbach Church of God in Steinbach have all been confirmed as measles exposure sites, a news release said Tuesday. 

Anyone who was at the Manitou Motor Inn bar on June 9 between 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. or VB's Entertainment Center on June 9 between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. should monitor symptoms until July 1.

Anyone who was at the Triangle Oasis Restaurant on June 11 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. should monitor symptoms until July 3, while anyone who was at the Steinbach Church of God on June 1 between 9:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. should monitor symptoms until June 23.

Public Health also asks those who were in these locations during these times to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV).

The province also recommends that people who were exposed in these locations and born in 1970 or later, and have never received a measles vaccine or had a measles infection, get the measles vaccine.

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."

The most recent data from the province, which was updated on June 7, says there have been 98 confirmed cases of measles in Manitoba this year, as well as eight probable cases. The province is expected to release another measles update on Wednesday. 

Health officials say they will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates when they are available.