Measles Outbreak in Manitoba: Vaccines Urgently Needed

Health authorities in Manitoba are raising serious concerns as measles continues to spread across the province. Doctors and public health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated, especially with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. The recent spike in cases has highlighted the importance of vaccinations and timely healthcare measures.

Measles Cases Rising in Manitoba

This year, measles has caused hospitalizations for 13 people in Manitoba, with two of those cases requiring intensive care. Dr. Davinder Singh, a medical officer of health with Southern Health, confirmed that most of those affected are children under the age of ten and were not immunized.

"All those that I’m aware of have been children, and the vast majority under the age of 10. And as far as I’m aware, they were all not immunized," Dr. Singh said.

These numbers indicate that measles, a highly contagious viral infection, is spreading quickly among communities where vaccination rates are low. School divisions across Manitoba have shared emails and posted notices from health authorities, urging parents to check the vaccination status of their children.

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Efforts to Increase Vaccination

To combat the outbreak, Southern Health expanded access to vaccinations, particularly in areas with high numbers of cases. Pop-up clinics were organized at schools to make vaccines more accessible to children and their families.

One notable example is Southwood School in Schanzenfeld, located about five kilometres south of Winkler and 110 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg. After several measles cases were reported there, the school hosted a pop-up clinic after school hours to vaccinate students and staff.

These efforts were successful in increasing vaccination uptake. In the last couple of months of the school year, about 1,500 more people than usual received vaccinations in Southern Health. Dr. Singh noted that some weeks saw more measles cases than in the previous 25 years combined, showing the severity of the outbreak.

Current Measles Statistics

Public Health Manitoba has reported 198 confirmed cases and 16 probable cases of measles in the province this year. However, Dr. Singh believes the actual number of infections could be much higher. Many people may not know they have measles or may not seek medical attention, which can result in underreporting.

"I would for sure categorize it as more than a small outbreak," Dr. Singh said.

Contagious Nature of Measles

Measles is extremely contagious and can spread even before the telltale rash appears. People infected with measles may initially experience general symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. They can still spread the virus to others during this early stage, which makes controlling outbreaks challenging.

Exposure in Schools

Several schools in southern Manitoba have reported potential exposures to measles. For example, Collège Lorette Collegiate, located southeast of Winnipeg, had a confirmed exposure in May. The Seine River School Division provided Public Health with lists of students and staff who may have come into contact with the virus. Public health officials then contacted families to discuss vaccination and provided guidance on isolation when necessary.

Superintendent Colin Campbell explained, "Then public health makes those phone calls out to families to check in regards to the vaccination, and then their recommendations to isolate for those that would require that."

He also noted that measles outbreaks used to be common in the past but had largely been controlled thanks to widespread vaccination. "When you talk about measles, it’s something that historically might bring back some feelings of various times in history where outbreaks like this could happen," Campbell said.

Vaccination Eligibility Expanded

To curb the spread of measles, Manitoba has expanded vaccine eligibility. Immunization records are available through the Manitoba public health website, family doctors, pharmacists, and public health offices. Vaccination appointments can be booked through these channels.

Children who are overdue for their routine shots at one year and again at four or five years should receive letters from the province reminding families to update their vaccinations.

In Southern Health and Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority, the MMR vaccine is now available for babies as young as six months, as well as for people who travel in those regions. Normally, most children are eligible to receive the vaccine at age one.

For individuals who have been exposed to measles and are at higher risk, including pregnant women, infants under six months old, and immunocompromised people, an antibody medication is available. This treatment provides a short-term boost to the immune system and can help prevent severe illness.

Future Measures

Southern Health officials have stated that they are not planning extra vaccination clinics at this time. However, they are ready to organize more clinics if the number of infections rises again, especially as students and teachers return to school and spend more time in close contact.

Dr. Singh emphasized, "We may see that again, now that school’s going on and maybe there’s more kind of reminders for families to update their immunizations if they haven’t already."

Preventable Outbreaks

Family doctors and public health experts emphasize that measles outbreaks are entirely preventable with proper vaccination. The current outbreak in Manitoba is a stark reminder of the importance of keeping immunizations up to date. By vaccinating children on time, parents can protect them from serious illness and help prevent the virus from spreading to vulnerable populations.

How Parents Can Help

Parents can take several steps to protect their children and communities:

• Check Vaccination Records: Ensure that your children have received all required MMR doses.

• Book Appointments: If your child is overdue for a vaccine, contact a family doctor, pharmacist, or public health office to schedule a vaccination.

• Stay Informed: Watch for updates from local schools and public health authorities regarding exposures and outbreak areas.

• Follow Health Guidance: If a child has been exposed to measles, follow public health recommendations for isolation and vaccination.

By following these steps, parents can significantly reduce the risk of infection and help stop the spread of measles in Manitoba.

The measles outbreak in Manitoba is a serious health concern that requires immediate attention. While the virus is highly contagious and can spread before symptoms appear, it is also preventable through vaccination. With expanded vaccine access, school-based clinics, and public health measures, families have the tools they need to protect their children.

Health authorities continue to urge parents to ensure their children are fully immunized, especially as schools reopen. Staying vigilant, following public health advice, and maintaining up-to-date vaccinations are crucial steps in controlling the outbreak and protecting the community from this preventable disease.