Brandon medical clinics linked to measles exposure
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Manitoba public health officials say people may have been exposed to measles at two medical clinics in Brandon last week.
Those who were at the Wheat City Medical Clinic on Saturday from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. should monitor for symptoms until April 5, the province said in a media bulletin on Thursday.
Anyone who went to Newmount Medical Clinic last Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. should monitor for symptoms until April 4.
The province has reported a total of 291 confirmed measles cases in Manitoba this year, with 41 probables cases.
There were 35 confirmed cases of measles reported in Manitoba within the first week of March.
People who aren’t immunized 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 recommends that people 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 measles (MMR or MMRV) 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 when someone coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after a person who’s 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, red eyes and white spots appearing 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.
An infected person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after.
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