Province warns of more measles exposures

The province is warning of new measles exposures at a rural school, bus routes, and an emergency department waiting room.

Public health officials put out a news release Tuesday warning that people who were at the following locations may have been exposed to the measles virus:

• École Dugald School (543 Holland St., Dugald) on April 29, 30 and May 2 from 8:45 a.m. to 5:40 p.m.
• Bus #26 (route 72), servicing École Dugald School, Oakbank Elementary, Springfield Middle School and Springfield Collegiate Institute on April 29, 30 and May 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
• Bus #128 (route 79), servicing École Dugald School, Oakbank Elementary, Springfield Middle School and Springfield Collegiate Institute, and includes École Dugald School field trip to the Manitoba Museum on April 29, 30 and May 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., and 3:40 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Boundary Trails Health Centre Emergency Department waiting room on April 27 from 4:11 p.m. to 10:07 p.m.

The province noted public health officials are reaching out to the school and medical centre, adding letters will be sent to families of students, school staff and volunteers.

The province said anyone at these locations during the given dates and times should monitor for symptoms. Those at the school or on the bus are asked to monitor symptoms until May 24, while those at Boundary Trails Health Centre are asked to monitor until May 19.

It said symptoms usually show up seven to 21 days after exposure and may include a fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes.

“Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat,” the province said. “Several days after the initial symptoms, a red blotchy rash appears on the face and progresses down the body.”

If symptoms do develop, the province said you should isolate at home and contact their health-care provider to report the potential exposure.

The province reported four confirmed cases of measles in April, along with four probable cases.

More information can be found on province’s website.