Measles

Measles is one of the most highly contagious diseases characterized by a red, blotchy rash. The measles virus spreads through close personal contact with an infected person and through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be spread by droplets that can stay in the air for several hours. Infection can result in serious illness or death.

For information on the locations where public measles exposures occurred in Manitoba see: measles exposure locations in Manitoba.


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2025 Update

The number of measles cases is rising locally, nationally and internationally. The majority of cases are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children who have been exposed in their communities. For further information on the current measles situation in Canada refer to the following website: https://health-infobase.canada.ca/measles-rubella/

In response, Manitoba Public Health has expanded eligibility for measles containing vaccine. Effective May 30, 2025, for children aged 6 months to under 12 months:

  • Manitoba’s Measles Outbreak Eligibility:
    One dose of MMR can be provided to the following, in addition to the routine schedule offered at 12 months and 4-6 years:
    • Those residing in Southern Health-Santé Sud (SH-SS) or Interlake Eastern (IERHA), or
    • Those who travel regularly to AND have close contact with residents of SH-SS or IERHA, or
    • Those who have been evacuated from their home communities due to wildfires in Manitoba

Manitoba Public Health continues to monitor for measles cases and exposures that occur from cases in Manitoba, and exposures from out of province travellers to Manitoba. View the exposure locations in Manitoba.

Month Number of Cases in Manitoba*
Confirmed Probable
February 2025 5 0
March 2025 1 0
April 2025 13 4
May 2025 71 0
Total 90 4

* Data is up to May 31, 2025. Website updated on June 4, 2025.

The number of cases will be updated on the website weekly each Wednesday.

Note: Fluctuations in case numbers are expected as cases are investigated, and information is updated.


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Symptoms

Symptoms begin to appear 7-21 days after being exposed to the virus in people who are susceptible to measles. Initial symptoms may include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat. The characteristic red blotchy rash can appear three to seven days after the initial symptoms (on average 14 days after exposure). The rash typically begins on the face and progresses down the body.

Measles infection can lead to complications, including ear infections, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain inflammation) that can lead to seizures, brain damage or death. Measles occurring during pregnancy has been associated with spontaneous abortion, premature delivery and babies born with low birth weight.


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Causes

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. It spreads through close personal contact with an infected person’s mucous or saliva and through the air from coughing and sneezing. Although not common, the measles virus may also spread through contact with objects that were recently exposed to an infected person’s mucous or saliva from coughing and sneezing. The virus can be spread by droplets that can stay in the air for several hours.

An infected person is contagious and able to spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after.


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Treatment

There is no cure for measles. Current treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms.

Most people recover fully from measles within 2 to 3 weeks. Complications are more common in infants and adults and those with weakened immune systems.


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Prevention

Measles can be prevented through immunization. Measles vaccine is offered free-of-charge as part of Manitoba’s Recommended Routine Immunization Schedule and to those who meet Manitoba’s eligibility criteria.

Other precautions can be taken, including practicing good hand hygiene, covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze, and avoiding sharing personal items such as water bottles, lip gloss and cigarettes.


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Manitoba Health Resources

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Communicable Disease Control (CDC)
 Public Health
Manitoba Health
4th Floor - 300 Carlton St.
Winnipeg MB  R3B 3M9  CANADA

Health Links – Info Santé
204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257