Officials warn of possible measles exposure at 4 Winnipeg sites
CFS office, La Grotta, West Coast Kids, HomeSense among areas of potential measles exposure July 21: province
Public health officials are warning of a possible measles exposure at four sites in Winnipeg last week — including at a grocer, retail outlet, government office and a baby products and clothing store.
The latest measles update from the province suggests there were possible exposures in the city on Monday, July 21, at four places.
The first was at a Child and Family Services office at 290 Jarvis Ave. between 10:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The second, at La Grotta Mediterranean Market at 1360 Taylor Ave. from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
The third location was West Coast Kids, Unit 4-1290 Kenaston Blvd., from 11:55 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.
The fourth and final spot was at a HomeSense at Unit K1-1585 Kenaston Blvd., from 12:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Anyone at those locations during those periods is asked to review their immunization records to see if they are up to date on their measles vaccine, and monitor for measles symptoms until Aug. 12, according to a release from the province on Monday.
Those born in 1970 or later who never received the vaccine should get immunized, the release states.
Measles is highly contagious and symptoms typically surface between a week and three weeks after exposure.
Fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes are among things to watch for, as well as small white spots that can develop within the mouth or throat.
Once initial symptoms arise, those are sometimes followed by a red blotchy rash on the face that can spread to the body.
Someone with measles can spread it to others four days before the rash surfaces.
Contracting measles can lead to serious health conditions including inflammation of the brain and lung infections such as pneumonia. Ear infections and diarrhea are also common.
People who believe they've been exposed to someone with measles should isolate at home and contact a health-care professional.
Canada officially hit elimination status for measles in the late-1990s. There's been renewed concern amid outbreaks stemming from imported cases first identified in New Brunswick last fall.
As of July 19, Health Canada has logged 4,206 measles cases across 10 Canadian jurisdictions — up 229 cases as of one week earlier, according to the latest data from the federal agency.
As of July 23, there have been 167 cases of measles in Manitoba — 158 confirmed and nine probable, according to the Manitoba government.
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