Manitoba warning of four new measles exposure locations

The Manitoba government is warning people about four new measles exposure locations, which include a school and three health-care centres.

The first exposure incident happened on June 7 at the Boundary Trails Health Centre’s Emergency Department at Provincial Truck Highway 3 between 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Anyone there at that time is told to monitor for symptoms until June 29.

The second health-care setting was at the Steinbach QuickCare Clinic on June 10 between 12:50 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. People there are asked to monitor until July 2.

The last health-care facility was the Portage District General Hospital Emergency Room in Portage la Prairie on June 12. The exposure happened between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. People who were there are told to monitor for symptoms until July 4.

There were two exposure days at the last location - Plum Coulee School. The two exposure days were June 5 between 8:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. and June 6 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. If people were at the school either of those days, they need to monitor for symptoms until June 27 and 28.

“Public health is communicating directly with Plum Coulee School to notify staff, volunteers and families of students who attend the school to provide advice specific to their exposure. All families of students, and school staff and volunteers will be receiving letters with the relevant information,” the province said.

Measles symptoms appear in seven to 21 days from exposure. Symptoms can include a fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. White spots can also develop inside the mouth.

Symptoms can develop into a red rash that starts on someone’s face and goes down their body.

If symptoms develop, people are told to isolate at home and contact their health-care provider.

According to the latest data from the province, there have been 98 cases of measles in Manitoba since February, with an additional eight probable cases.