Manitoba Health warns of new possible measles exposures in Morden

The province is once again warning of new measles exposure sites, as cases of the infectious disease continue to spread in Manitoba. 

In a Thursday news release, Manitoba health officials said there have been two recent measles exposures in the city of Morden, both at the same location, on the same day. 

Anyone who was at the Menzies Medical Clinic on Stephen Street in Morden on July 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is asked to monitor for symptoms until July 25.

And anyone who was at the Dynacare blood and medical test lab at the same location in Morden on July 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., is also asked to monitor for symptoms until July 25.

Public health is also asking anyone who was at that location during this time to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV).

For those who were exposed in this location and born in 1970 or later and have never received a measles vaccine, the province recommends getting the measles vaccine. 

Cases of the infectious disease are continuing to climb in Manitoba, as in an update released this week, the province said there had been 130 confirmed cases and another eight probable cases of measles in Manitoba so far this year, as of July 5.

That's up from the 116 confirmed and eight probable cases that were reported in the province's previous measles update released on June 28. 

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

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.