Two school gyms, a hotel bar and community rink have been identified as the latest possible exposure sites for measles in the Westman region.
The affected communities are Baldur, Glenboro and Hartney.
Kindergarten to Grade 12 students and staff might have been exposed to the highly contagious disease at Baldur School and Glenboro School in early February, Manitoba public health officials warn.
A street view of Glenboro. Public health officials say kindergarten to Grade 12 students and staff at Glenboro School might have been exposed to measles in early February inside the school gym. New exposure sites have also been identified in Baldur and Hartney. (Ruth Bonneville/Winnipeg Free Press files)
Students and staff who were inside Baldur’s school gym at 627 Elizabeth Ave. on Feb. 6 from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. should monitor for symptoms until Feb. 28.
Similarly, those who were inside Glenboro’s school gym — located at 221 Cochrane St. — on Feb. 7 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. should watch for any symptoms until March 1.
The Brandon Sun reached out Monday to Prairie Spirit School Division, which oversees both schools, but did not hear back before press time.
Two possible exposure locations have also been identified in Hartney.
Public health officials said anyone sitting in the viewing area at the Hartney Community Rink on Garden Street on Feb. 6-7 and Feb. 7-8 from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. should monitor for symptoms until Feb. 28 to March 2, respectively.
Those who were in the bar area at the Hartney Motor Hotel on Feb. 6 and 7 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. should watch for symptoms until Feb. 28 or March 1, respectively.
Provincial data show measles has been spreading quickly across Manitoba, with 82 confirmed cases reported in the first two weeks of February — the highest amount since the latest outbreak began last year.
January saw 75 confirmed cases — with more than 30 that were linked to Manitoba Ag Days, a three-day event held at Brandon’s Keystone Centre.
In total, there have been 476 confirmed cases and 44 probable ones since January 2025.
Data show that 27 people have been admitted to the hospital, with two in the ICU, and 18 have been children under the age of 10.
People who are not immunized and have been exposed to measles may be eligible for preventive treatment within six days of exposure, the province said.
Public health is asking anyone who were at these locations during the specified times to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV).
People can check their immunization records by contacting their local public health office, doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist.
The vaccine is recommended for people who might have been exposed at these locations and were born in 1970 or later, have never received a measles vaccine and have never had a measles infection, the province said.
Individuals who are pregnant, infants less than six months of age and people with weakened immune systems should not get the measles vaccine. Health-care providers should be contacted for guidance if individuals in these categories are exposed to measles.
Earlier this month, public health expanded the eligibility for the measles vaccine for infants aged six months to under 12 months in the Prairie Mountain Health region.
People can get the measles vaccine by visiting their primary care provider or local public health office.
Measles spreads through droplets in the air formed when coughing or sneezing. An infected person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after.
The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after a person who is infected has left the space.
Symptoms may appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Early signs can include a fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat.
Several days after the initial symptoms, a red blotchy rash will appear on the face and progress to the torso and limbs.
Measles can lead to complications such as ear infections, pneumonia and encephalitis (brain inflammation), which can lead to seizures, brain damage or death, the province said.
There is no cure for measles, but most people fully recover within two to three weeks.
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