Manitoba Parents Urged to Weigh Measles Risks Ahead of Spring Break Travel

As families across Manitoba prepare for spring break and Easter holidays, provincial health officials are advising parents to carefully assess the risk of measles when planning travel or attending large gatherings. The warning comes amid a significant rise in cases, placing Manitoba at the centre of Canada’s measles activity in early 2026.

Public Health Advisory Sent to Schools Province-Wide

A letter distributed Friday through school divisions across Manitoba is urging vigilance among parents, guardians and caregivers. Signed by communicable disease prevention officials Richard Baydack and Santina Lee, the advisory was shared with the entire kindergarten to Grade 12 system, as well as early learning and child-care providers.

School divisions, including those in Winnipeg such as the Pembina Trails School Division, were instructed to circulate the notice widely among families, staff and volunteers.

Health officials emphasized that children showing symptoms consistent with measles should stay home and avoid travel or public events. Parents who believe their child may be infected are also asked to take precautions when seeking medical care.

Guidance for Families Seeking Medical Attention

Caregivers planning to visit urgent care or emergency departments with a suspected measles case are advised to notify staff immediately upon arrival. This allows health-care workers to implement infection control measures and reduce the risk of transmission to others.

Families with questions are encouraged to contact their health-care provider or Manitoba’s Health Links service, which offers telephone-based medical advice across the province.

Manitoba Accounts for Majority of Canada’s Measles Cases

Manitoba is currently experiencing the highest number of measles cases in the country. Federal data indicates the province accounts for roughly 60 per cent of all reported cases nationwide so far in 2026, as of mid-March.

Provincial figures show 319 confirmed cases and 45 probable cases recorded by March 14. Notably, this total has already exceeded the province’s full-year count for 2025 within just the first two and a half months of the year.

The surge highlights ongoing concerns among public health officials, particularly as increased travel and social gatherings during school holidays can accelerate the spread of highly contagious illnesses.

Exposure Alert Issued for Winnipeg Hospital

In a separate notice, Manitoba public health officials warned that individuals who were in the emergency department waiting room at Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg on the morning of March 20—between 5:10 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.—may have been exposed to measles.

Anyone who is not immunized and believes they may have been exposed is advised to consult a medical professional. Preventative treatment may be available if administered within six days of exposure.

Recognizing Symptoms and Preventing Spread

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that spreads through respiratory droplets. Early symptoms can resemble those of a common cold, including cough, runny nose, fever, fatigue and red eyes.

Within a few days, small white spots may appear inside the mouth or throat, followed by a characteristic red, blotchy rash. Individuals are considered contagious for approximately four days before the rash appears and up to four days afterward.

Vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles, and public health officials continue to stress the importance of ensuring routine immunizations are up to date—particularly as families prepare for travel or gatherings during the holiday season.

A Timely Reminder for Travellers

With spring break travel a common tradition for many Canadian families—whether heading to other provinces or international destinations—health officials say this is a critical moment to remain cautious.

Monitoring symptoms, staying home when ill and seeking timely medical advice can help limit further spread and protect vulnerable populations.

As measles cases continue to climb in Manitoba, the province’s message is clear: informed decisions and preventive measures will be key to keeping communities safe in the weeks ahead.