New measles cases confirmed in Manitoba

Manitobans are being cautioned about measles exposures at a school in Southern Manitoba. (file)

The province is cautioning the public after students and school staff in Southern Manitoba were exposed to measles.

Public health issued a notice Wednesday evening for two confirmed cases of measles. Both cases were linked to international travel to Mexico.

It says there were exposures at Southwood School, located south of Winkler in Schanzenfeld in the Garden Valley School Division, as well as on a school bus servicing Southwood School and Prairie Dale School. The dates of exposure were April 14 and 15.

The province says public health is providing advice to people who may have been exposed, including students, school staff, and volunteers.

Those who believe they may have been exposed but have not been directly contacted or given a letter with information are asked to contact Health Links-Info Santé.

Symptoms

Signs that someone may have the measles include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. The province says the inside of mouths or throats may also have small white spots.

Later symptoms could include a red, blotchy rash on the face, moving further down the body. The province cautioned that measles could lead to complications including ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, or brain inflammation.

Prevention

The province is recommending people received two does of a vaccine program for the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella. This is often given to children who are at least one years old, and again between the ages of four to six.