2 days ago
Manitoba warns of new potential measles exposure
This undated image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Feb. 4, 2015, shows an electron microscope image of a measles virus particle, centre. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Cynthia Goldsmith/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via AP
The Manitoba government is warning the public about a possible exposure to measles at a hospital last month.
According to the province's latest measles bulletin released Wednesday, a potential exposure happened in Winkler on May 22 at the Boundary Trails Health Centre Emergency Department.
The potential exposure took place between 6 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. People who visited the department on that day are being asked to monitor for symptoms until June 13, as symptoms for measles can take up to 21 days to show up.
Symptoms include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, red eyes and irritability. White spots may also appear on the inside of the mouth or throat, with a red rash appearing several days after initial symptoms.
As of May 28, 72 cases of measles have been reported in Manitoba this year.
Measles vaccine eligibility changes for child evacuees
The Manitoba government has also expanded vaccine eligibility for the measles for young children displaced by wildfires.
Children aged six months to under 12 months who were evacuated can receive one dose of the MMR vaccine in addition to the routine vaccine offered at one year and between four and six years old.
