Interlake man hospitalized with measles

A Manitoba man in his 40s has been diagnosed with measles, the province's chief public health officer confirmed Friday.

The man, who lives in the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, has been hospitalized.

Officials say they are investigating the case and trying to find out if anyone else has been infected.

According to the province, the man was contagious when he visited the following locations: 

• The Manitoba Winter Games badminton tournament in Winkler on March 7 and 8​.
• The 204 Volleyball and Ice Time Sports 14-and-under tournament on March 8 at Monroe and John Henderson junior high schools in Winnipeg.
• The University of Manitoba Bisons volleyball tournament in Winnipeg on March 9.
• The Victoria Hospital's emergency department in Winnipeg on March 9 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• The Selkirk General Hospital's emergency department in Selkirk on March 10 at 7 p.m.

Anyone who was at these events or who think they may have measles are being encouraged to phone their health-care provider or Health Links-Info Santé at (204) 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) for more information.

The province said measles is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. An infected person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after.

The disease tends to be more severe in infants and young children, and can be life-threatening.

Symptoms generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Initial symptoms may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat.

Measles cases have been reported in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario, mostly related to ongoing outbreaks in the Philippines and the Netherlands. 

According to Manitoba Health, the last large outbreak in this province occurred in 1986 with more than 3,000 cases. 
From 2000 to 2009 inclusive, three cases of measles were reported, one in each of 2002, 2003 and 2004.