An Interlake man has been hospitalized after contracting the measles virus.
Manitoba health officials confirm the man in his 40s resides in the area of the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority.
The virus is often spread through droplets in the air formed when coughing or sneezing.
Symptoms generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure, and initially may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat.
An infected person can spread the virus from four days before a red blotchy rash appears to four days after. The disease tends to be more severe in infants and young children, and can be life-threatening.
The man infected attended the following locations and events while contagious:
- The Manitoba Winter Games badminton tournament in Winkler March 7 and 8
- The 204 Volleyball and Ice Time Sports 14 and under tournament March 8 at Monroe and John Henderson junior high schools in Winnipeg
- The University of Manitoba Bison volleyball tournament in Winnipeg March 9
- The Victoria Hospital emergency department in Winnipeg March 9 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- The Selkirk General Hospital emergency department in Selkirk March 10 at 7 p.m.
People who attended these events or locations, who think they might have measles or have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with measles, should phone their health-care provider or phone Health Links-Info Santé at (204) 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 for more information.
