A recent warning from Manitoba's health authorities has raised concerns about the potential for thousands of individuals to have been exposed to measles during the Ag Days event in Brandon. The event, one of Canada's largest indoor farm shows, attracted a large crowd over three days, including visitors to the Agriculture in the Classroom sessions at the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Dome Building.
The health department is urging anyone who attended Ag Days or visited nearby hotels, restaurants, and shops between January 20 and 22 to be vigilant and monitor for symptoms until February 13. This advisory is particularly crucial as the event drew a substantial number of people, with approximately 35,000 visitors and 600 exhibitors occupying the 540,000 square feet of show space.
The exposure sites and dates in Brandon are as follows:
Keystone Centre, Brandon:
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- January 21, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (monitor until February 12)
- January 22, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (monitor until February 13)
Agriculture in the Classroom, Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Dome Building, Unit 1-A, 1200 13th St., Brandon:
- January 20, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (monitor until February 11)
- January 21, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (monitor until February 12)
- January 22, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (monitor until February 13)
Great Western Roadhouse, inside Canad Inns Destination Centre, 1125 18th St., Brandon:
- January 20, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (monitor until February 11)
Measles symptoms typically appear within seven to 21 days after exposure and may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability, red eyes, and small white spots inside the mouth or throat. A red, blotchy rash usually follows a few days later.
Manitoba Health officials emphasize the highly contagious nature of measles, which can be spread through coughing and sneezing. They strongly recommend vaccination for those born in 1970 or later who have not had measles or the vaccine. Infants under six months, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are advised to contact healthcare providers for potential preventative treatment within six days of exposure.
The situation is particularly concerning as Manitoba has experienced its largest monthly surge in measles cases since the outbreak began in early 2025. Health officials reported 74 confirmed cases in January, bringing the total to 393 confirmed cases and 37 probable cases since February of last year.
Additional exposure sites in southern Manitoba include:
Stacked Pancake and Breakfast House, 777 Norquay Dr., Winkler:
- February 1, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (monitor until February 23)
Boundary Trails Health Centre public health office, near Winkler:
- February 2, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (monitor until February 24)
Boundary Trails Health Centre emergency department, near Winkler:
- February 3, 7 p.m. to February 4 at 1:10 a.m. (monitor until February 26)
Individuals experiencing symptoms should isolate at home and contact their healthcare provider, informing them of the potential exposure. Close contacts may also need to isolate and consider vaccination. Health officials advise calling ahead to clinics to minimize the risk of virus spread.
For further information on measles, exposure, and immunization, residents can visit Manitoba Health's dedicated webpage or contact Health Links–Info Santé at the provided phone numbers.
