Province warns of measles exposure at Jets game as cases surge – Winnipeg Free Press

Public health officials in Manitoba are alerting individuals who attended a Winnipeg Jets hockey game earlier this month that they may have been exposed to measles. This warning comes as the province experiences increasing measles transmission, with several cases linked to the Manitoba Ag Days agricultural fair held in Brandon.

Measles Exposure at Canada Life Centre

Those who were at the Feb. 4 Winnipeg Jets game against the Montreal Canadiens, specifically in the 300-level seating and concourse areas of Canada Life Centre, are advised to monitor for symptoms until Feb. 26. This advisory reflects the ongoing spread of the virus within the province.

Rising Cases and Potential Exposure Sites

Manitoba currently reports the highest number of measles infections in the country for 2026. The province is actively tracking cases originating from Manitoba Ag Days, which took place in Brandon’s Keystone Centre from Jan. 20-22. Officials caution that any large event held in Manitoba over the coming months should be considered a potential exposure location.

Did You Know? Manitoba Ag Days, held in Brandon’s Keystone Centre from January 20-22, has been identified as a source of ongoing measles cases.

Individuals at higher risk of severe measles complications are particularly urged to consider potential exposure when deciding whether to attend large gatherings. The province is maintaining an online list of reported exposure locations, which will be regularly updated.

Vaccination and Preventative Measures

Community transmission of measles has been confirmed in the Prairie Mountain Health region. Infants aged six to 12 months who live in or travel to this region are now eligible for early doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This eligibility also extends to infants in the Southern Health and Interlake Eastern Regional Health regions.

Health officials emphasize the importance of two doses of a measles-containing vaccine for all children. The first dose is recommended at 12 months of age, with the second administered between four and six years old. Individuals who are not immunized and believe they may have been exposed to the virus may be eligible for preventative treatment if sought within six days of exposure.

Expert Insight: The proactive expansion of vaccine eligibility to infants in specific regions demonstrates a targeted public health response to contain the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas of Canada Life Centre were affected?

The 300-level seating and concourse areas of Canada Life Centre are the specific locations identified for potential measles exposure during the Feb. 4 Winnipeg Jets game.

Where are the additional exposure locations being tracked?

The province is tracking dozens of reported exposure locations and compiling them into an online list available at https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles-exposures.html.

What age groups are now eligible for early vaccination?

Infants aged six to 12 months who live or travel to the Prairie Mountain Health, Southern Health, and Interlake Eastern Regional Health regions are now eligible for early doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.

As Manitoba continues to address this outbreak, will increased vigilance and preventative measures be necessary for those attending public events?