Health officials warn of possible measles exposure at Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra concert, diner
People may also have been exposed at the Dave and LaVerne's Modern Diner on May 11
Manitoba health officials are warning people might have been exposed to measles in Winnipeg last week during an jazz concert at the Franco-Manitoban Cultural Centre and at a diner in the city.
People who attended the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra concert at the Franco-Manitoban Cultural Centre at 340 Provencher Blvd. on May 11, from 12:50 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., may have been exposed to measles, according to a bulletin issued by the province on Saturday.
People may also have been exposed at Dave and LaVerne's Modern Diner at 15 Lakewood Dr. on May 11 from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., the province said.
Anyone who might have been exposed should monitor for symptoms until June 2.
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.
As of May 10, the most current data available, there were 44 confirmed cases of measles in Manitoba this year and four more probable cases. That number includes 26 confirmed cases in May alone.
Immunization is the only way to protect people from contracting measles, the province said.
In Manitoba, a two-dose measles vaccine program for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) is routinely provided for kids at least one year old, and again at age four to six. If a child is exposed to measles the province said a second dose can be given earlier.
Earlier this week the province announced it is expanding the eligibility of vaccines for infants as young as six months old living in the Southern Health area and the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority.