Two more measles exposure sites in Brandon identified
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Manitoba public health officials have identified a medical clinic and a supermarket in Brandon as possible measles exposure sites.
People who visited the Rosser Medical Clinic on Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. should monitor for symptoms until March 6, the province said.
Anyone who was inside the Safeway store on 18th Street North on Valentine’s Day from 4 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. should monitor for symptoms until March 8.
Digital version of the measles screening signs that were put around the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg last fall. (HSC)
Public health officials have reported a total of 30 exposure sites in Brandon since Jan. 20 when the Keystone Centre hosted Manitoba Ag Days.
Provincial data show measles has been spreading quickly across Manitoba, with 82 confirmed cases reported in the first two weeks of February — the highest amount since the latest outbreak began last year.
January saw 75 confirmed cases — with more than 30 that were linked to Canada’s largest indoor farm show.
People who do not have the measles (MMR or MMRV) vaccine and have been exposed to the highly contagious disease may be eligible for preventive treatment within six days of exposure, the province said.
Public health is asking anyone who may have been exposed to measles at these locations to ensure they’re up to date with their immunization records, which can be checked by contacting their local public health office, doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist.
The vaccine is recommended for people who might have been exposed at these locations and were born in 1970 or later, have never received a measles vaccine and have never had a measles infection, the province said.
Individuals who are pregnant, infants less than six months of age and people with weakened immune systems should not get the measles vaccine. Health-care providers should be contacted for guidance if individuals in these categories are exposed to measles.
Measles 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.
The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after a person who is infected has left the space.
Symptoms may appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Early signs can include a fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat.
Several days after the initial symptoms, a red blotchy rash will appear on the face and progress to the torso and limbs.
Measles can lead to complications such as ear infections, pneumonia and encephalitis (brain inflammation), which can lead to seizures, brain damage or death, the province said.
There is no cure for measles, but most people fully recover within two to three weeks.
» The Brandon Sun