Measles Precautions at HSC
To minimize the risk of a measles outbreak, active screening for measles-related symptoms is now in effect for visitors to HSC Women’s Hospital, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Children’s Hospital, Ambulatory Care Clinics, admitting/registration areas and Adult Emergency Department. Entry may be restricted if there is a risk of measles. Screening may be expanded to other areas of the hospital as needed.
Designated Caregivers, accompanying individuals, and visitors will be screened on admission to all units in Women’s, NICU, and Children’s, and when there is a new visitor. In some higher risk units, active screening will occur daily.
If you have an appointment at the Ambulatory Care Clinic and have measles or you have been exposed to measles and feel unwell, please call the clinic regarding your appointment.
Temporary visiting restrictions are also now in effect for NICU and may be expanded to other areas of the hospital.
These visitor restrictions apply to designated caregivers and general visitors:
• Only two (2) visitors – one of which is the designated caregiver – allowed at a time per patient
• To visit, you must be free of illness
• To visit, it is recommended you have up-to-date immunizations, especially measles
• Children under age five are not permitted
o Exception: Twin siblings of admitted babies may visit if they are free of illness
We appreciate your patience and cooperation!
Measles is one of the most contagious infections, with young children and non-immune pregnant individuals being at the highest risk of severe complications. The inpatient pediatric population is particularly at risk because of lack of vaccination due to underlying conditions and/or being younger than one year of age.
Prevention
Immunization is the best protection against measles. The measles vaccine is offered free-of-charge as part of Manitoba’s Recommended Routine Immunization Schedule and to those who meet Manitoba’s eligibility criteria. Manitoba also has an outbreak eligibility. For details on the full eligibility criteria, please see the Government of Manitoba’s Public Health website.
If your child has missed any steps on the regular immunization schedule, talk to your doctor or local public health office (if outside Winnipeg) or call Health Links – Info Santé at 1-888-315-9257.
Symptoms
Symptoms begin to appear 7-21 days after being exposed to the virus. Initial symptoms may include fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, drowsiness, and irritability. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat. The characteristic red, blotchy rash can appear three to seven days after the initial symptoms (on average 14 days after exposure). The rash typically begins on the face and progresses down the body.
Measles infection can lead to complications, including ear infections, pneumonia (lung infection), and encephalitis (brain inflammation) that can lead to hearing loss, vision loss, seizures, brain damage, or death. Measles occurring during pregnancy has been associated with miscarriage, premature delivery, and babies born with low birth weight.
Entry may be restricted if there is a risk of measles. We appreciate your patience and cooperation!
