Measles exposure possible at BU Healthy Living Centre last Thursday evening

Measles cases are on the rise in Manitoba, and the province is warning of several recent exposure possibilities here in Brandon, including at the BU Healthy Living Centre one evening last week.

Measles can cause serious illness or death. A measles vaccine provides strong protection, and immunization is free to almost everyone in Manitoba. Make an appointment with your doctor or through public health to check your immunization status or if you require immunization.

What is measles?

Measles is one of the most highly contagious diseases characterized by a red, blotchy rash. The measles virus spreads through close personal contact with an infected person and through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be spread by droplets that can stay in the air for several hours. Although not common, the measles virus may also spread through contact with objects that were recently exposed to an infected person’s mucous or saliva from coughing and sneezing. Infection can result in serious illness or death.

Where might I have been exposed?

Public Health maintains a list of locations where people may have been exposed to the measles virus. In Brandon, that includes Manitoba Ag Days, the Canadians Roadhouse, the ER waiting room at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, the Corral Centre Liquor Mart, the Boston Pizza on Richmond Avenue, and the HLC. Specific dates and times of potential exposure are listed at the link above.

At the BU Healthy Living Centre, exposure was possible on Thursday, Feb. 5 from 7 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. Because symptoms can take significant time to develop, if you believe you may have been exposed at the HLC, you should monitor for symptoms until Friday, Feb. 27.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Symptoms begin to appear 7-21 days after being exposed to the virus in people who are susceptible to measles. Initial symptoms may include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat. The characteristic red blotchy rash can appear three to seven days after the initial symptoms (on average 14 days after exposure). The rash typically begins on the face and progresses down the body.

An infected person is contagious and able to spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after.

Measles infection can lead to complications, including ear infections, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain inflammation) that can lead to seizures, brain damage or death. Measles occurring during pregnancy has been associated with spontaneous abortion, premature delivery and babies born with low birth weight. 

There is no cure for measles. Current treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms. Most people recover fully from measles within 2 to 3 weeks but complications are more common in infants and those with weakened immune systems.

What can I do?

If symptoms develop, individuals who may have been exposed are advised to isolate at home and contact their health-care provider and advise them of the potential exposure to measles. Anyone else in the household who is unimmunized should limit exposure to others until the symptomatic person has received advice from their health-care provider. It is best to call ahead so health-care staff can take steps to reduce the exposure of other people to the virus.

A measles vaccine provides strong protection. In Manitoba, 88 per cent of measles cases have been in people who were not immunized. The measles vaccine is offered free-of-charge to almost everyone in Manitoba and is routinely provided when you are a child. If you are not immunized, appointments can be scheduled through your health care provider or local public health (outside Winnipeg). The Public Health offices in Brandon are in the Town Centre. A list of public health offices in Manitoba is available here.

Contact