Province warns of measles exposure at Winnipeg Jets game

The number of measles cases in Manitoba is growing and could rise higher due to several large events. Jeff Keele has more.

Any large event should be considered a site for potential measles exposure, according to the latest message from health officials.

Manitoba Public Health released its latest measles update Thursday, saying multiple new cases have been linked to Manitoba Ag Days, which ran from Jan. 20 to 22 in Brandon.

The latest numbers in Manitoba show there are 119 confirmed cases and 10 probable to date this year.

In 2025, from February to December, there were 319 confirmed cases and 29 probable ones.

The province also says there have been 24 hospitalizations in 2025 and 2026, with two patients requiring intensive care.

Manitobans are now being told any large event over the “next few months” has the potential of measles exposure.

“People at high risk of severe complications from measles, such as infants less than 12 months old, pregnant individuals who are not immunized and those with a weakened immune system should consider the potential for measles exposure when deciding whether to attend large gatherings,” the report reads.

With that, one new exposure site being listed is Canada Life Centre. If anyone was at the game on Feb. 4 between the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens and was in the 300-level seating and concourse, they are being told to monitor for symptoms until Feb. 26.

Early vaccine eligibility for infants aged between six months and under 12 months has also been expanded.

Public Health said measles cases have not been reported in the Prairie Mountain Health Region, meaning all infants in that age range are eligible for an early dose of the MMR vaccine.

This criteria has already been in place for the Southern Health and Interlake-Eastern regions.

“In addition, it is important that children also receive two doses of measles-containing vaccine after they reach 12 months old as part of the routine immunization schedule.”