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Northwestern Health Unit – Special to The Bulletin
Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) is informing the public that a person with contagious measles travelled out of Winnipeg on March 28, 2026, through Toronto, and further on to Orlando Florida on March 29, 2026. Since many people in Northwestern Ontario travel out of the Winnipeg airport, NWHU recommends checking the details (pictured) to find out if you or your family may have been exposed, and what to do next. Measles can result in severe illness and long-term harm in some people, and controlling spread is crucial for protecting health.
Who is considered protected against measles
You are protected if you have one of the following before being exposed to measles:
- Two documented doses of a measlescontaining vaccine (e.g., MMR)
- Blood test showing measles immunity
- Labconfirmed past measles infection
- Born before 1970 (except healthcare workers and military personnel)
If none of these apply, you are not protected.
I
f you were exposed and are NOT protected:
- School/childcare/healthcare students and workers: Stay home and contact your local public health unit or workplace occupational health.
- No MMR doses: Stay home and call NWHU for direction.
- One MMR dose: Contact your healthcare provider or public health to receive a second dose. Notify them before arriving so precautions can be taken. (If you don’t work in healthcare, you may return to regular activities after receiving the second dose.)
- Highrisk individuals (or those caring for them): Contact your healthcare provider or NWHU for further direction. This includes:
- Babies under 1 year
- People with severely weakened immune systems
- Pregnant individuals who are not immune
If you’re unsure of your vaccination status, contact your healthcare provider or NWHU to check your records.
Monitor for symptoms
Watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Runny or blocked nose, sneezing, cough
- Red, watery eyes
- Small white spots inside the mouth
- Rash starting on the face and spreading downward
If you develop symptoms
- If you need medical care: Call ahead before visiting any clinic or hospital so they can prepare. Wear a mask.
- If you don’t need medical care: Call your local public health unit for guidance.
- If you think you have measles: Isolate immediately and contact your healthcare provider to discuss testing.
A full listing of travel-related locations with potential measles exposures in Manitoba can be found here: Measles Exposures in Manitoba | Health | Province of Manitoba.
Those who are travelling to areas where measles is of concern are eligible for measles vaccination and should call the NWHU to check their records. Getting immunized, if not already immune, is strongly recommended.
For more information about measles, including who is protected, symptoms to monitor for, and the measles vaccine, visit our website: Measles Information – Northwestern Health Unit.
