As the number of measles cases rises in Manitoba, experts advise individuals without measles vaccinations to avoid large public gatherings until the outbreak subsides. This caution follows a warning from the provincial government indicating that attendees of the AG Days indoor farm show in Brandon late last month may have been exposed to measles. The annual event at Brandon’s Keystone Centre drew approximately 35,000 visitors between January 20 and 22, potentially exposing attendees as well as those who visited local establishments during the event to the virus, according to Manitoba public health officials.
Dr. Philippe Lagacé-Wiens, a medical microbiologist and physician at St. Boniface Hospital, expressed concern, stating that in a closed space, nearly 90% of susceptible individuals could contract measles if an infectious person is present in the room. Measles symptoms can manifest weeks after infection, allowing the disease to unknowingly spread. The high transmission rate is alarming given the large number of exposed individuals.
Manitoba reported the highest monthly count of confirmed measles cases in January since the outbreak began in February 2025. Lagacé-Wiens emphasized that with measles circulating extensively, unvaccinated individuals are at a heightened risk of infection in crowded settings.
Measles can linger in the environment for hours after an infected person has left, and unlike COVID-19, conventional preventive measures like masks and physical distancing offer limited protection against measles transmission. Lagacé-Wiens emphasized the importance of vaccination and cautioned against attending festivals if unvaccinated or experiencing measles-like symptoms.
Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization in the University of Saskatchewan, highlighted the challenge of achieving herd immunity to safeguard unvaccinated individuals. She stressed the need to minimize exposure risks, especially for vulnerable populations like newborns and immunocompromised individuals who cannot receive the measles vaccine.
While Manitoba’s measles outbreak has not necessitated event restrictions or cancellations at present, Lagacé-Wiens noted that stricter measures could be implemented if hospital systems become overwhelmed. He underscored the role of immunization in controlling measles cases, acknowledging the potential for future outbreaks without improved vaccination rates.
Rasmussen pointed out the persistent challenge posed by misinformation campaigns hindering vaccination efforts. She emphasized the importance of combating misinformation effectively to promote measles immunization among those who remain unvaccinated.
Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett stated that the city is monitoring the potential measles exposure at AG Days but has not observed an increase in local cases. Fawcett attributed Brandon’s low measles incidence to high immunization rates, particularly among residents who lived through Canada’s measles outbreak in the 1980s. The city is adhering to provincial health guidance, focusing on vaccination promotion and symptom monitoring, with event restrictions pending official recommendations.