Manitoba has officially declared a measles outbreak as cases surge, with 16 new infections reported in the past week, bringing the province’s 2025 total to 60 confirmed and four probable cases. The majority—42 cases—were confirmed in May alone, according to health officials.
Provincial medical officer of health Dr. Santina Lee said the outbreak includes community transmission, with many infections involving unvaccinated children. Though most cases haven’t required hospitalization, Lee warned that more severe outcomes may emerge as the outbreak progresses.
Parents are increasingly anxious, especially those with infants too young to be vaccinated. Samantha Joyce from Lockport expressed fear for her three-month-old daughter, saying she avoids public spaces to reduce exposure. Chelsey Winston, a nurse and mother of a nine-month-old, is urging the province to expand vaccine eligibility beyond current hot spots in the Interlake-Eastern and Southern Health regions.
Manitoba currently allows measles vaccines for babies aged 6 to 12 months only in affected regions, citing vaccine supply and localized risk. Babies vaccinated early must still receive the routine two-dose schedule at later ages.
Health officials expect cases to continue rising due to insufficient vaccine uptake in some communities. The province is monitoring the outbreak closely and may broaden vaccine access if conditions worsen.
Source: Swifteradio.com
