Manitoba is experiencing a significant surge in measles cases, with February 2026 showing an especially sharp increase compared to the same period last year. Health officials report that most infections continue to occur among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children.
In February 2026 alone, Manitoba recorded 170 confirmed and 28 probable measles cases, a dramatic jump from five confirmed cases in February 2025.
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This sudden rise highlights the ongoing risk of measles spreading in communities where vaccination rates are low.
2026 compared to 2025
Overall, the first two months of 2026 have already surpassed the total number of cases seen in the same period last year.
January 2026 reported 78 confirmed and 8 probable cases, compared to zero confirmed and zero probable cases in January 2025.
The rapid increase has prompted Manitoba Public Health to expand vaccine eligibility for children aged six months to under 12 months.
Vaccine eligibility and public health response
The MMR vaccine is now available to infants in Southern Health–Santé Sud, Interlake Eastern, and Prairie Mountain Health regions, as well as children who travel regularly to these areas.
Routine MMR doses at 12 months and 4–6 years continue to be recommended.
Officials are also monitoring exposures from out-of-province travellers and updating locations where cases have been reported.
Severe outcomes and immunization gaps
Since February 2025, Manitoba has recorded 31 hospitalizations related to measles, including three ICU admissions, but no deaths.
Twelve cases have involved pregnant individuals, and two were congenital.
The majority of cases remain among unvaccinated children, with 83 per cent having received no doses of the vaccine, and just under 6 per cent having received one or more doses.
Public health authorities stress that keeping children up to date with MMR vaccines is the most effective way to limit outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.