Province warns Manitobans of measles risk after man returns from Philippines with virus
Dana Hatherly | CBC News | Posted: June 28, 2019 6:28 PM | Last Updated: June 28, 2019
Anyone who may have had contact with man on June 24 and 25 may have been exposed, those risk low: province
Manitobans are being warned to watch for the signs of measles, after a Winnipeg man brought the infectious virus back with him from the Philippines.
The man in his 30s is recovering in hospital in Winnipeg, the province's acting chief public health officer said in a statement Friday.
"Measles is a highly infectious viral illness. We know it's been re-emerging in many parts of the world," Brent Roussin said during a Friday press conference.
The province said the risk of transmission is low, but anyone who may have been in one of the following places earlier this week may have been exposed:
- Philippines Airlines flight PR 116 from Manila to Vancouver on June 24.
- Vancouver International Airport customs area and baggage area from 5:15 p.m. (Pacific time) to 7 p.m. (PT) on June 24.
- WestJet flight WJ 458 from Vancouver to Winnipeg on June 24.
- Winnipeg Richardson International Airport arrivals and baggage claim on June 25 from midnight until 2 a.m.
- Assiniboine Clinic on Tuesday, June 25, between 2 and 6 p.m.
- Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg adult emergency department waiting room on Tuesday, June 25 from approximately 4:45 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
"We're advising anyone who thinks they may have been in contact, regardless of their immunization status, to always be alert of the signs and symptoms of measles," Roussin said.
The provincial public health official warned Manitobans to watch for fever, coughing and red eyes in the early onset of infection, with a rash developing on the face that spreads to body.
People are particularly at risk include those who aren't immunized, pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems and kids under the age of 12. Anyone who may have been exposed should closely monitor their health for at least 21 days from the potential exposure date.
Measles is a contagious disease that can spread in the air through sneezing and coughing.
12 recent cases
Twelve cases of measles have been confirmed in the province's recent history: two in 2018, two in 2015, and eight in 2014.
Almost all confirmed cases were travel-related, Roussin said.
The measles vaccine is not mandatory in Manitoba, but the public health department recommends immunizations to protect against infection and prevent its spread.
The province has asked the public to help curb the spread of the measles by ensuring their immunizations are up to date, washing their hands regularly with soap and water, avoid the sharing of utensils or drinking glasses, covering their mouth during coughs and sneezes, and staying at home when sick.
Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed is encouraged to call Health Links at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 for information.
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