Province warns of measles exposure at Jets game as cases surge

Manitoba public health officials are warning attendees of a Winnipeg Jets game they may have been exposed to measles, as the province continues to grapple with outbreaks.

The province released an exposure update Thursday night, warning those who attended a Feb. 4 Jets game against the Montreal Canadiens and were in Canada Life Centre’s 300-level seating and concourse to monitor for symptoms until Feb. 26.

The update came hours after chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin held a news conference, urging people to get vaccinated.

On Friday, Premier Wab Kinew pushed Manitobans to follow that advice.

“Vaccinations are probably the biggest public health thing that human beings have come up with since we stopped going to the bathroom in the places where we eat. It’s that important,” he said.

“You talk to physicians, they’ll say that vaccinations are one of the things they do that actually save lives. So, maybe a little more time listening to Dr. Roussin and other physicians, a little bit less time on some of the social media platforms would probably help all of us.”

The province announced several new exposure locations in Winnipeg in a news release Friday. They include: Grace Hospital X-ray department Sunday from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Grace emergency department Sunday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and the extended hours primary care clinic at Access Winnipeg West Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Manitoba has the country’s highest number of reported measles infections in 2026, and the province continues to track cases linked to Manitoba Ag Days, held in Brandon’s Keystone Centre Jan. 20-22.

Roussin said Thursday 30 cases “and counting” could be linked to the event, dubbed “Canada’s largest indoor farm show.”

“Any large event taking place in the province over the next few months should be considered a potential measles exposure site,” the province warned in its latest update.

“People at high risk of severe complications from measles… should consider the potential for measles exposure when deciding whether to attend large gatherings.”

The province is tracking dozens of reported exposure locations and has compiled them into an online list that will continue to be updated.

Community transmission has been reported in the Prairie Mountain Health region. Infants six- to 12-months-old who live or travel to this region are now eligible for early doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Infants within that age range who live or travel to the Southern Health and Interlake Eastern Regional Health regions are also eligible.

Officials stressed children should receive two doses of measles-containing vaccines. The first dose should come at 12 months, and the second at four to six years, the release said.

People who are not immunized but have been exposed to the virus may be eligible for preventative treatment within six days of exposure.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca