‘Could see similar levels of transmission’: Upcoming Brandon fair sparks concerns of another measles spike

The city is recognized for hosting the province’s biggest agricultural events, including the Manitoba Ag Days, and the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair.

Brandon’s mayor is calling on Manitobans to be responsible as measles cases in the province continue to climb. This as the city is getting ready to host the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair at the end of the month.

Brandon was the focal point for measles in January after it hosted Ag Days, which led to a significant spike in the virus throughout the province.

As of March 14, there have been 319 confirmed cases and 45 probable cases in Manitoba in 2026. This is the same number of measles cases the province dealt with in all of 2025.

“Brandon hasn’t had really a measles issue. But our large events, like Ag Days, brought a lot of people from all over the province,” said Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett.

The mayor said he plans on being at the winter fair every single day and is excited to see the turnout over the weeklong event.

However, he encourages people to think of everyone in the community and not show up if they are sick or think they might have measles.

“I think we just need to be responsible citizens. That’s our big issue. Manitoba Public Health has really good information. We almost eradicated measles. If you’re not feeling well, don’t come to very busy events. And that goes with not just this event, but any event,” he said. “You’re putting yourself at risk and you’re potentially putting others at risk too.”

Dr. Davinder Singh, a medical officer of health for the provincial immunization program, said there is concern surrounding this event, just like Ag Days in January.

“I think we have to expect that we could see similar levels of transmission at that event,” said Singh. “We likely still have a large number of people who are still susceptible to measles and who may go to the event and thus, are at risk of contracting the virus if someone with measles is there.”

There were only 18 cases of measles in Manitoba between 2000 and 2024, which he said really shows how dire the situation is now.

Based on current provincial data, Singh said there is no indication the high number of cases will be going away anytime soon.

He said the number one thing people can do on an individual level is get vaccinated, noting a single dose is 93 per cent effective and two doses are 97 per cent effective.

“For those that do get measles who are immunized, they generally have milder symptoms. They’re less likely to spread it to others and when you get enough people that are immunized, you get a community level of protection. So the virus doesn’t go anywhere, including not spreading to vulnerable individuals who can’t get immunized or can’t protect themselves.”

While most people associate measles with flu-like symptoms and the red rash that develops, Singh said there are very serious complications that can develop if you haven’t been vaccinated against the virus.

“We definitely are seeing serious adverse outcomes, including hospitalizations, people have to go to the intensive care unit. Again, fortunately, in Manitoba, no one has died, but people have died in other provinces and other countries. Some of the specific complications that you can get related to measles infections include pneumonia, they include encephalitis, which is a swelling of the brain. You can get severe impacts on your immune system.”

A spokesperson for the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair said in an email to CTV News that the organization has no “major concerns” about measles transmission this year.

“We’re continuing to monitor public health guidance and want to ensure guests know that every precaution possible is taken to ensure a safe, family fun outing during spring break,” they said.

They added that other large events have been held throughout Manitoba that have had minimal impacts on the spread of measles.

Even so, they said some general precautions are being taken.

“This includes making hand sanitizer more readily available throughout the venue which encompasses over half a million square feet of venue space, encouraging anyone who feels unwell to stay home until feeling better, and ensuring our team is prepared to respond if any health-related issues arise during the event.”

Fawcett knows the winter fair will be a fun event for all, and it will bring a lot of pleasure and joy to all who attend.

But he is asking everyone to do the right thing.

“If people would just, like they have for the last 50 years, follow provincial health guidelines, we’d all be very, very safe doing that,” said Fawcett.

The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair runs from March 30 to April 4 at the Keystone Centre.