5 cases of measles connected to Ontario outbreak identified in Manitoba

This undated image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Feb. 4, 2015 shows an electron microscope image of a measles virus particle, center. (Cynthia Goldsmith/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via AP)

Manitoba health officials are warning of possible exposure to measles, as five cases related to an ongoing outbreak in Ontario have been reported in Manitoba.

The province said five cases were reported in southern Manitoba, with those impacted asked to isolate at home.

“These cases involve five individuals living within the same household, all of whom were contacts of lab-confirmed cases while recently travelling in Ontario,” a bulletin from the province reads.

Officials say members of the public may have been exposed to measles at Reinland Mennonite Church in Winkler during Sunday school and main service on Jan. 26.

People may have also been exposed on Jan. 31 at the Health Sciences Centre in several locations; the first floor children’s laboratory and waiting rooms from Clinic X and Clinic W between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Orange Bison Zone Level 1 in and around Guildy’s Eatery from noon to 3 p.m.; and the cardiology clinic on the fourth floor and the children’s hospital waiting room from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

People who were in the locations at those times are being asked to check their immunization records and ensure they have received a measles vaccine.

Symptoms of measles, which is spread by droplets from coughing and sneezing, typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and includes fever, runny nose, and drowsiness. Following the initial symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads down the body. Ear infections, pneumonia and brain inflammation are also possible from measles.

In Ontario, 81 cases have been reported in 2024 and 2025.