A travel-related case of measles has been reported in Manitoba.

According to the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, the man, in his 30's, lives within the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and is recovering in hospital. It is believed he contracted the virus while travelling in the Philippines.

While the risk of transmission is low, people who were at the following locations on the dates and times listed below may have been exposed to measles:

     Philippines Airlines flight PR 116 from Manila to Vancouver on June 24;
     Vancouver International Airport customs area and baggage area from 5:15 p.m. (Pacific time) to 7 p.m. (Pacific time) on June 24;
     WestJet flight WJ 458 from Vancouver to Winnipeg on June 24;
     Winnipeg Richardson International Airport arrivals and baggage claim on June 25 from midnight until 2 a.m.;
     Assiniboine Clinic on Tuesday, June 25 between 2 and 6 p.m.; and
     Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg adult emergency department waiting room on Tuesday, June 25 from approximately 4:45 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Measles is a highly infectious, communicable disease that is spread through droplets in the air formed when coughing or sneezing.

Symptoms to watch for include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes followed a few days later by a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the chest. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat.

Several days after the initial symptoms, a red blotchy rash appears on the face and progresses down the body. Measles can lead to complications including ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain inflammation).

Pregnant women, people who have severely compromised immune systems and infants under 12 months of age are at higher risk of complications. Treatment to prevent measles may be recommended for these individuals if given within six days of exposure.

People or parents of infants in these categories who believe they may been exposed based on the information above should contact Health Links at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) for further direction.