Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are reminding Manitobans that staying up to date on their vaccinations is one of the most important ways to prevent and reduce the risk of measles and other serious illnesses.
This is especially important as cases of measles are increasing in other parts of Canada and around the world. To date, there have been no recent confirmed cases of measles in Manitoba. The last confirmed case of measles in Manitoba was in 2019.
Measles is very contagious. The most recognized symptom of measles is a red, blotchy rash, which often begins on the face and spreads down the body. Other common symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Measles is a serious illness, especially for young children, and can result in lung and brain infections and other conditions that lead to serious complications or death.
The best protection against measles is vaccination. As part of Manitoba’s routine immunization schedule, children can receive two doses of a vaccine that protects against measles, first at 12 months and again between the ages of four and six. Together, these doses provide 97 per cent protection against measles.
The most recent data available shows that about 80 per cent of children in Manitoba have received one dose of the vaccine that protects against measles by age two. Nearly 75 per cent of children have received two doses of the vaccine by age seven and this rate increases to over 88 per cent by the age of 17.
The majority of Manitobans born in 1985 and later have been eligible for two doses of a measles-containing vaccine and would have similar uptake rates to the 17-year-old cohort. Before the vaccine was available, measles was a significant cause of childhood illness. As a result, people born before 1970 are considered immune to measles as they were likely exposed growing up.
Public health recommends catching up on vaccinations for children and adults who are eligible for a dose and have not yet received it, based on the eligibility criteria posted at gov.mb.ca.
People who are traveling are encouraged to see their health-care provider or a travel clinic four to six weeks before their trip. Infants who are older than six months but less than 12 months of age are also eligible for one dose of a measles-containing vaccine if they are traveling to a measles-endemic country, in addition to the two doses they can receive beginning at 12 months of age. Other Manitobans who may be traveling should speak with a health-care provider or a travel health clinic to determine if additional doses of a measles-containing vaccine may be required.
Manitoba sent information out about measles to health-care providers last week. Measles is a reportable disease, meaning public health must be informed about cases by laboratories and health-care providers. Once a case is reported, public health will launch an investigation. This includes identifying close contacts, offering vaccination where appropriate and notifying the public of relevant exposures if needed.
Manitoba’s immunization registry was established in 1988, so records for anyone who has received immunizations since then should be contained in the registry. If you are not sure if you or your children have been vaccinated, immunization records can be requested online at gov.mb.ca. Alternatively, you can contact your local public health office or contact your health-care provider.
Vaccination remains one of the most successful public health interventions available to help prevent and reduce the risk of serious illnesses over a person’s lifetime.
For more information about measles, visit gov.mb.ca.
