Ikea, a bank and an indoor playground among latest measles exposure sites

A popular furniture store, an indoor playground for kids and several health-care facilities are among the latest measles exposure sites in Manitoba.

On Monday, Manitoba health officials announced six new locations where measles exposures may have occurred.

This includes RBC Royal Bank on Main Street in Winkler from 8:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. on March 25; Hide n Seek Winnipeg on Oak Bluff’s Fort Whyte Way from 1p.m. to 5 p.m. on March 25; and Winnipeg’s Ikea location from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on March 25.

Other exposure sites include the Boundary Trails Health Centre emergency department waiting room from 9:30 p.m. on March 25 to 5:50 a.m. on March 26; Open Health Niverville from 9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on March 26; and the Portage Clinic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 26.

Those who were at these locations during these specific times are urged to check their immunization records. Individuals who were exposed, born in 1970 or later and have not had a measles vaccine or infection are encouraged to get immunized, reduce exposure with others and watch for symptoms.

The province noted that those who are unvaccinated and have been exposed to measles may also be eligible for preventative treatment within six days of exposure and should speak to their health-care provider.

According to health officials, measles is a highly infectious illness spread through coughing or sneezing.

Symptoms generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability, red eyes, and small white spots on the inside of the mouth or throat. Several days after the initial symptoms, a red blotchy rash appears on the face and moves down the body.

A measles infection can lead to serious complications including ear infection, diarrhea, pneumonia and encephalitis.

On Monday, Manitoba’s health minister announced pharmacists will soon be able to give free measles vaccines to those between two and 19 years old.

More information on measles, exposures and vaccinations is available online.