Public health officials are alerting residents to new measles exposure sites in Brandon and southern Manitoba, with a particular focus on Manitoba Ag Days, one of Canada’s largest indoor farm shows.
Manitoba Ag Days: large-scale exposure
Officials say anyone who attended Manitoba Ag Days at the Keystone Centre in Brandon from January 20 to 22 should monitor for symptoms.
The three-day event drew roughly 35,000 visitors, including those attending the Agriculture in the Classroom sessions at the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Dome Building. The event featured close to 600 exhibitors throughout the 540,000 square feet of show space.
“Anyone who attended Ag Days, visited hotels, restaurants, and shops should monitor for symptoms until Feb. 13,” notes Manitoba Health officials. “Possible exposures may have occurred in the city on the event days, on the days leading up to it and the days following it, beyond the locations listed.”
Exposure dates and locations in Brandon include:
Keystone Centre, Brandon
Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (monitor until Feb. 11)
Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (monitor until Feb. 12)
Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (monitor until Feb. 13)
Agriculture in the Classroom, Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Dome Building, Unit 1-A, 1200 13th St., Brandon
Jan. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (monitor until Feb. 11)
Jan. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (monitor until Feb. 12)
Jan. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (monitor until Feb. 13)
Great Western Roadhouse, inside Canad Inns Destination Centre, 1125 18th St., Brandon
Jan. 20 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (monitor until Feb. 11)
Symptoms and precautions
Measles symptoms generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure and can include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability, red eyes, and small white spots inside the mouth or throat.
A red, blotchy rash usually develops several days later. Complications can include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis.
“Measles is highly contagious and can be spread through coughing and sneezing. Immunization remains the most effective protection,” remarks Manitoba Health officials.
Officials continue to recommend vaccination for anyone born in 1970 or later who has never had measles or the vaccine. Certain groups, including infants under six months, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, should contact a healthcare provider for potential preventative treatment within six days of exposure.
Cases continue to rise
On Friday, the province stated that Manitoba has recorded its largest monthly surge in measles cases since the outbreak began in early 2025.
Health officials reported 74 confirmed cases in January, pushing the province’s total to 393 confirmed cases and 37 probable cases since February of last year.
Winkler and Boundary Trails exposures
Additional exposures in southern Manitoba include:
Stacked Pancake and Breakfast House, 777 Norquay Dr., Winkler
Boundary Trails Health Centre public health office, near Winkler
Feb. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (monitor until Feb. 24)
Boundary Trails Health Centre emergency department, near Winkler
When to seek care
Anyone who develops symptoms should isolate at home and contact their healthcare provider, advising them of the potential exposure. Close contacts may also be asked to isolate and consider vaccination. Health officials recommend calling ahead so clinics can reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
For more information on measles, exposures, and immunization, visit Manitoba Health’s measles webpage or contact Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
Public health officials will continue monitoring the situation and provide weekly updates on the number of measles cases in Manitoba.