Manitoba health authorities have reported the confirmation of 18 new cases of measles in the second week of January. The total number of confirmed cases of this highly contagious disease in Manitoba since February 2025 now stands at 351, with an additional 30 cases classified as probable, according to the latest data from Manitoba Health, updated as of January 17.
Out of the total cases, there have been 20 instances requiring hospitalization, including two admissions to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Among the hospitalized patients, 16 were children under the age of 10.
This update comes after a public health alert warning that individuals may have been exposed to measles at four specific locations between January 13 and 15. Those who were present at the identified sites during the specified dates and times are advised to remain vigilant for symptoms until the designated end dates.
The provincial health department is urging individuals who may have been exposed to measles to review their immunization records and ensure that their vaccinations are up to date.
Canada has witnessed a concerning rise in measles cases since the onset of the outbreak in October 2024, with a total of 5,380 probable and confirmed cases reported as of January 10, according to Health Canada data.
Measles is transmitted through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can linger on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected person has left, posing a risk of infection to others sharing the space.
Symptoms to watch for include fever, runny nose, fatigue, red eyes, small white spots in the mouth or throat, and a characteristic red rash on the skin. Symptoms typically manifest within one to three weeks following exposure.
Immunization is emphasized as the primary method to safeguard against measles, according to Manitoba Health. In Manitoba, a two-dose vaccine regimen for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) is routinely administered to children at one year of age and again between four and six years. In cases of measles exposure, the administration of a second dose can be expedited.
Data from the province indicates that over 86% of measles cases in Manitoba involved individuals who had not received a single dose of the vaccine. Eleven cases were reported among those who had received one vaccine dose, while 18 cases involved individuals with two or more doses. The vaccination status was unknown in 22 cases, as per provincial records.