Health officials urge Manitoba parents to consider measles risk in spring break vacation plans
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Parents and guardians in Manitoba have received a warning from public health officials ahead of spring break and the Easter holidays, asking them to consider the risk of measles when traveling or attending large gatherings.
The letter, sent Friday by school divisions and signed by Manitoba Health communicable disease prevention officers Richard Bedack and Santina Lee, encourages parents to stay home and avoid travel or events if they think their child has measles.
She also said caregivers who suspect their child has measles and plan to take them to urgent or emergency care should notify the facility immediately upon arrival so staff can take steps to protect others.
A spokesperson for the province said the letter was sent to the entire kindergarten to Grade 12 and early education and child care sector on Friday. In this, schools were instructed to forward the letter to all parents/guardians, employees and volunteers.
CBC News accessed one sent by the Pembina Trails School Division in Winnipeg.
The letter says parents with questions about measles are encouraged to contact their health care provider or Health Link at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 elsewhere in Manitoba.
Manitoba has seen more measles cases this year than any other region of the country, with the province accounting for nearly 60 per cent of all cases reported across Canada so far in 2026. According to federal data Updated on Monday which covers up to March 14.
The number of confirmed and suspected measles cases has increased in Manitoba. has already exceeded the 2025 total Within the first two and a half months of 2026.
Provincial data updated Friday It turns out that as of March 14 this year, there were 319 confirmed cases and 45 probable cases.
Manitoba public health officials also warned Monday that anyone who was in the waiting room of the emergency department at Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg between 5:10 and 7:30 a.m. on Friday, March 20 could be exposed to measles.
The province says anyone who is unvaccinated and has been exposed to measles is encouraged to talk to their medical provider to see if they are eligible for preventive treatment, which is offered within six days of exposure.
Measles treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, which may include cough, runny nose, fever, drowsiness, and red eyes. Small white spots may develop inside the mouth or throat, usually within three days of infection, accompanied by a red, blotchy rash.
People who have measles are contagious for about four days before and four days after the rash appears.
This disease spreads through droplets formed in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. It can remain in the air for two hours.
