Manitoba measles cases skyrocket

Manitobans with ties to Cuba are frustrated and scared amid a growing humanitarian crisis in the country.

The number of measles cases in Manitoba continues to skyrocket.

On Friday, the province reported 139 confirmed cases for the first three weeks of February. The total for the year is now 215 cases, compared to 319 for all of 2025.

Manitoba Health officials say the vast majority of cases involve people who are unvaccinated.

The increase comes after reported exposures at Ag Days in Brandon, Man. in January and a Winnipeg Jets game earlier this month.

Manitoba Health officials have said any large event over the “next few months” has the potential for measles exposure.

The province notes that immunization is the only effective way to protect against measles, a virus that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms typically appear one to three weeks after exposure. Early signs include a runny nose, drowsiness, fever and red eyes. Small white spots may develop inside the mouth or throat, followed by a red, blotchy rash several days later.

Anyone who develops symptoms and may have been exposed is urged to isolate at home and contact a health-care provider.

More information about measles, including additional exposure locations, is available online.