Manitoba Health is urging parents to consider measles risks while travelling or attending large gatherings over spring break or upcoming holidays, while trying to slow what is currently Canada’s worst outbreak.
School divisions sent letters to families, on Manitoba Health’s behalf, last Friday, ahead of the spring vacation (March 30-April 3) and major religious celebrations that overlap, including Easter and Passover.
The letter urged parents, guardians and caregivers to stay home, and avoid travel and events if someone in their household has or is believed to have measles.
Public health officials said vaccination is the best way to prevent measles.
“Measles can be serious, especially for young children, people with a weakened immune system and unimmunized pregnant people,” the letter said.
“If any of these people are exposed to measles, they may be eligible for preventative treatment within six days of exposure and are encouraged to speak with a health-care provider promptly.”
Vaccines are available via primary care providers, local public health offices, Access Centres or Connected Care Clinics.
Manitoba Health advised people to contact their health-care provider or Health Links at 811 if they are exposed, symptomatic or have questions.
People who seek urgent or emergency care at a health-care facility should notify staff of suspected measles as soon as they arrive, so employees can take appropriate precautions, the letter said.
Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter
Manitoba has reported the highest number of detected measles cases in Canada in 2026, with 319 confirmed and 45 probable infections as of March 14. The true number of infections is likely much higher.
The province has already surpassed its 2025 total (319 confirmed cases and 29 probable) in the first 2 1/2 months of 2026.
Almost 90 per cent of people with confirmed infections were not vaccinated, Manitoba Health said. About six per cent had two or more doses of a vaccine. The vaccination status of 4.5 per cent was unknown.
The province said 2o of 34 people who were hospitalized were under the age of 10. Two babies were born with congenital measles. Four people were admitted to intensive-care units. No deaths were reported.
chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca
Chris Kitching is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He began his newspaper career in 2001, with stops in Winnipeg, Toronto and London, England, along the way. After returning to Winnipeg, he joined the Free Press in 2021, and now covers a little bit of everything for the newspaper. Read more about Chris.
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