Urgent Alert: Measles Exposure Detected at Winnipeg School and Clinic

Winnipeg is once again at the forefront of a critical public health announcement as officials confirm new measles exposure sites within the city. Among the latest locations flagged are Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute, a prominent high school, and Access Winnipeg West, a key medical clinic, raising concerns and prompting an urgent call for community vigilance.

Shared Health, the provincial health organization, released details of these new sites, underscoring the ongoing investigation into measles cases in Manitoba.

The highly contagious viral disease requires immediate attention from anyone who may have been present at the specified locations during the exposure periods.

For those who were at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute (922 Portage Ave.), potential exposure occurred on:

• Monday, May 13, between 8 a.m.

  and 4 p.m.

• Tuesday, May 14, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 15, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Additionally, individuals who visited Access Winnipeg West (2800 Ness Ave.) should be aware of a potential exposure on:

• Friday, May 17, between 1 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.

Public health experts stress that measles is not a trivial illness.

It's an airborne virus that can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations. Symptoms typically include a high fever, a persistent cough, a runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a distinctive rash that spreads across the body. The incubation period can range from seven to 21 days, meaning symptoms may not appear immediately after exposure.

If you believe you may have been exposed at one of these sites, or if you begin to develop symptoms, public health urges you to take immediate action.

The most crucial step is to contact Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 before seeking medical care. This allows healthcare providers to take necessary precautions to prevent further spread and to advise you on the best course of action. It is vital not to go directly to an emergency department or clinic without prior consultation.

The best defence against measles remains vaccination.

Public health strongly advises everyone to ensure their immunizations are up to date, particularly for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, typically at 12 months and then between four and six years of age, offering robust protection.

These latest advisories follow previous measles exposure warnings in Winnipeg, indicating an active public health situation.

Remaining informed, checking your vaccination records, and acting promptly if exposure is suspected are key steps to safeguarding individual health and community well-being.