Public Health Officials Warn of Measles Exposure in Manitoba

Public health officials in Manitoba are urging individuals who visited specific locations to monitor for symptoms of measles during the holiday season. Recent announcements highlighted potential exposures at two schools and a restaurant in southern Manitoba, prompting immediate public health action.

Individuals who were at the Outpost Grill, located at the junction of Highways 3 and 14 near Winkler, on December 13, 2025, between 14:00 and 21:00, should be vigilant for symptoms until January 4, 2026. Those who dined at the same restaurant on December 15, between 09:00 and 17:00, are advised to monitor their health until January 6.

In addition to the restaurant, potential exposures occurred at Morden Collegiate in Morden and Mitchell Elementary School in Mitchell. Anyone present at Morden Collegiate on December 15, between 08:50 and 17:40, should keep an eye on their health until January 6. The same caution applies to those at the high school during the same hours on December 17, who should monitor until January 8. Visitors to Mitchell Elementary on December 15, between 08:30 and 17:30, are also urged to remain alert for symptoms until January 6.

Public health officials recommend that anyone who was at these locations during the specified times check their immunization records to ensure they are up to date with the measles vaccine, known as MMR or MMRV.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area, posing a risk of infection even from brief exposure. Most individuals recover from measles within two to three weeks, but complications are more prevalent among infants, adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Since February, Manitoba has reported a total of 290 confirmed measles cases and 25 probable cases, according to provincial health data updated on December 13, 2025. With nearly 90% of the reported cases involving unvaccinated individuals, health officials emphasize the importance of vaccinations, particularly as children return to school after the holidays.

The health department’s proactive approach aims to curb the spread of measles and protect community health. Individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fever, cough, and rash are advised to seek medical attention promptly and inform their healthcare provider of potential exposure.