Manitoba health officials are warning the public about a recent measles exposure at a Winnipeg school. The province is asking anyone who was at Carpathia School, including the breakfast and lunch program, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 3, 4, 5 and 8 to monitor for symptoms for three weeks after exposure. It also urges anyone who was at the school during these times to check their immunization records to ensure they are up to date on measles vaccines. Manitoba notes that measles symptoms generally appear within seven to 21 days of exposure. The initial symptoms can include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability, red eyes, and small white spots on the inside of the mouth or throat. After the initial symptoms, a red blotchy rash will appear on the face and spread down the body. Measles – a highly infectious communicable disease that is spread through droplets in the air – can lead to complications including ear infection, diarrhea, pneumonia and encephalitis. More information on measles, exposures and immunizations is available online.
