Manitoba health officials are alerting the public to potential measles exposures at HSC Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg last weekend. According to the province, individuals may have been exposed in the Children’s Hospital emergency department waiting room on Feb. 21 between 7:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m., as well as in the emergency department from 9:45 p.m. until 3:05 a.m. the following day. The Access Event Centre – Co-op Arena in Morden has also been identified as a possible exposure site. People who were at the facility on Feb. 19 from 9:30 p.m. to midnight on Feb. 20 may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus, the province said. Health officials are advising anyone who was at these locations during the specified times to review their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with the measles vaccine. The province notes that immunization is the only effective way to protect against measles, a virus that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms typically appear one to three weeks after exposure. Early signs include a runny nose, drowsiness, fever and red eyes. Small white spots may develop inside the mouth or throat, followed by a red, blotchy rash several days later. Anyone who develops symptoms and may have been exposed is urged to isolate at home and contact a health-care provider. More information about measles, including additional exposure locations, is available online.
