Public health officials are alerting Manitobans about a confirmed measles case in the province.
According to a media bulletin, the case is unrelated to previously announced cases and is connected with recent international travel to Pakistan.
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) has started an investigation.
The province is warning the public of a number of possible exposures; Health Sciences Centre’s Children’s Hospital emergency department waiting room on March 3 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight on March 4; Winnipeg Richardson Internation Airport on Feb. 26 between 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; WestJet flight WS489 from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Winnipeg on Feb. 26 departing at 5:20 p.m. and arriving at 7:09 p.m.; Toronto Pearson International Airport terminal 3 including immigration on Feb 26 between 2:15 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Qatar Airways flight QR0767 from Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar, to Toronto on Feb. 26 departing at 8:10 a.m. and arriving at 2:15 p.m.; and Qatar Airways flight QR0605 from Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, Pakistan, to Doha from Feb. 26 departing at 4:15 a.m. and arriving at 5:05 a.m.
“The WRHA and public health investigation is ongoing and additional exposure locations may be added. As more contacts are identified, individuals may be asked to isolate and consider vaccination,” the media bulletin read.
Public health asks anyone who was at these locations during these times to check their immunization records to ensure they are up to date with a measles vaccine, either mumps and rubella or measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.
The province said it is unlikely people born before 1970 or who have ever received a measles vaccine will get the disease. Still, you should watch for symptoms of measles until the date indicated in the exposure table on the province’s website. (hyperlink)
People exposed in these locations who are born in 1970 or later, who have never received a measles vaccine and never had a measles infection, should reduce exposures with others, especially anyone who has a weakened immune system or is unimmunized, from the fifth day after exposure to the 21st day after the latest exposure. Individuals are not contagious in the first four days following the first exposure, the province said.
They’re also urged to get vaccinated.
They are also advised to watch for symptoms of measles until the date that corresponds with their situation as indicated in the exposure table.
However, certain people are not advised to get the measles vaccine, including infants less than six months old, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
If symptoms develop, the province said you should isolate at home and contact a health-care provider, advising them of the potential exposure to measles.
According to the province, symptoms generally develop seven to 21 days after exposure. Initial symptoms include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability, and red eyes.
Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat.
A red, blotchy rash typically appears on the face and progresses down the body several days after exposure. Complications are also possible, including ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and brain inflammation.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that is spread through droplets in the air formed when coughing or sneezing. According to the province, an infected person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after. It tends to be more severe in infants and young children and can be life-threatening.
“Immunization is the only means of protecting people from contracting measles. Contact an immunization provider such as a local public health office, physician or nurse practitioner to ensure everyone is up to date,” the province said.
Details on the measles vaccine program can be found on the province’s website.
