Measles outbreak in Manitoba: A concerning surge in cases
Manitoba is grappling with a significant measles outbreak, with the number of cases skyrocketing in February. This surge has already surpassed the monthly totals since the outbreak's inception. But here's the alarming part: this data only covers half of February, indicating a potential further rise in cases.
According to the latest figures from the province, as of February 14, there have been a staggering 82 confirmed and eight probable measles cases this month. This follows the revelation that dozens of cases were traced back to the Brandon's Ag Days event.
The outbreak's impact is evident, with 38 new confirmed cases in the second week of February, adding to the 44 cases detected in the first week. Since February 2025, Manitoba has recorded a total of 476 confirmed and 44 probable measles cases, according to provincial data.
Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin confirmed over 30 cases linked to the Brandon's Ag Days event in late January, and he anticipates this number will continue to climb. The province has adjusted its approach, now issuing measles exposure notifications only for cases where exposure occurred within the past six days, and where preventative treatment could be beneficial.
The province's website provides updates on recent exposure sites, including a warning about an exposure at a Neepawa medical clinic on February 13. The majority of positive cases (85%) involved individuals with no measles vaccination, while the vaccination status of another 5% is unknown.
Since February 2025, 27 people have been hospitalized with measles in Manitoba, with 26 being unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination status, and 18 under the age of 10. The province has expanded measles vaccination eligibility to children aged six months to one year in specific health regions.
Measles is highly contagious, and vaccination is the only effective protection, according to public health experts. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, making proximity to an infected individual risky, even for a short duration. Symptoms include red eyes, white spots in the mouth or throat, a red skin rash, drowsiness, fever, and a runny nose, typically appearing within one to three weeks post-exposure.
And this is the part most people miss: measles is not just a childhood disease. It can affect anyone who hasn't been vaccinated, regardless of age. The outbreak's impact on the community is a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination and the potential consequences of vaccine hesitancy.
The article was authored by Bryce Hoye, a seasoned multi-platform journalist with a background in wildlife biology. He has a decade-long association with CBC Manitoba and has received prestigious awards for his work in radio, television, and digital news.
