Responding to Measles Cases in Manitoba

June 06, 2025 |

A message from Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care

Case Counts

Manitoba is continuing to see increased cases of measles, with 90 confirmed and 4 probable cases reported as of May 31, 2025. The measles website is updated weekly on Wednesday: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html. Public exposure locations are updated on the website as they are identified.

Over 90% of recent measles cases in Canada affect people who are not immunized or have unknown vaccination status. The majority of cases in Manitoba have been in Southern Health – Sante Sud (SH-SS), but all regional health authorities in southern Manitoba have identified cases.

Vaccine Eligibility

Physicians should be checking the immunization status of clients, especially children, and offering measles-containing vaccine if eligible. Immunization records can be accessed in eChart. Please refer to the eligibility criteria for the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccines at https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/vaccineeligibility.html#MMR

New Outbreak Vaccine Eligibility: As part of the outbreak response, children aged 6 months to under 12 months who: (a) are residing in SH-SS or IERHA, or who travel regularly to AND have close contact with residents of SH-SS or Interlake Eastern RHA, or (b) have been evacuated from their home communities due to wildfires in Manitoba are eligible for one dose of MMR in addition to the routine schedule offered at 12 months and 4-6 years. Please note that two doses following 12 months of age are required to provide long lasting immunity. Note that the criteria may change as the outbreak evolves. Please check the vaccine eligibility webpage regularly for updates: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/vaccineeligibility.html#MMR

Heath Care Provider Resources:

Health care providers should review clinic procedures for managing suspect cases.

A Measles Quick Reference Guide has been developed that includes information on clinical presentations, testing, IP&C recommendations, management of cases, and management of contacts including post-exposure prophylaxis.
The Measles Vaccine Quick Reference Guide contains information on all measles-containing vaccine products (MMR and MMRV) available in Manitoba, including product storage and handling, eligibility criteria, and recommendations for use.

Vaccine ordering: The MMR and MMRV vaccines can be ordered using the Vaccines and Biologics Order Form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/protocol/vaccinebiologics.pdf

If you are not yet registered with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care to access publicly funded vaccines and biologics from the provincial vaccine warehouse, your facility can apply here: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/protocol/npaf.pdf