A year has passed since the initial measles outbreak in Manitoba, and the situation remains dire. Despite efforts, the highly contagious disease continues to spread, with no signs of slowing down.
Dr. Davinder Singh, a medical officer with Southern Health, describes the past year as "very busy." Southern Health, the region most affected by the outbreak, has seen the majority of Manitoba's measles cases. As of January 24th, there have been 371 confirmed cases and 32 probable cases reported, with numbers continuing to rise.
Manitoba had been measles-free in 2024, but the first five cases in the current outbreak were announced on February 4, 2025. Case numbers surged in the following months, peaking in May with 72 infections. However, the situation worsened again in the new year, with 51 confirmed cases so far.
Michelle Driedger, a University of Manitoba professor specializing in community health, emphasizes the challenge Manitoba faces in curbing the growing number of cases. Approximately eight out of every ten measles cases in Manitoba have been reported in Southern Health, according to Singh.
"The outbreak could be over in a month or six weeks if everyone who was not immunized and susceptible chose to get immunized," Singh said. "That's really what we need."
Southern Health has a lower measles vaccination rate compared to other parts of the province, which Singh attributes to a lack of trust in vaccinations. Most patients who contract the virus are from areas with the lowest immunization rates.
Health officials have been working tirelessly to encourage vaccination and curb the spread of measles. However, Singh acknowledges that it hasn't been an easy task. Early signals of measles spreading in parts of Canada have raised concerns, especially considering measles is one of the most contagious yet preventable diseases.
The majority of people who aren't immunized express concerns about vaccine safety or believe the virus isn't severe enough to require immunization. Provincial data shows that 334 cases, or 85.6%, have been in people who are not immunized against measles, while 25 cases, or just over 6%, have been in people with an unknown vaccination status. Only 12 cases, or 3%, were in people who had one vaccination dose, and 21 cases, or 5.2%, involved people with two or more doses.
Singh emphasizes the safety and effectiveness of the measles vaccine, stating that its risks are very rare. However, misinformation continues to spread, making it challenging to change people's minds.
The measles outbreak has not only impacted the healthcare system but has also added strain to administrative units. With every positive case, healthcare officials must conduct contact tracing to identify where the virus circulated and alert the public. This process adds a significant burden to an already busy system.
Singh's biggest concern is the unnecessary illness and suffering caused by the outbreak, which could have been prevented with a highly effective vaccine. Since last February, 22 people have been hospitalized for measles in Manitoba, with two requiring intensive care. Of those hospitalized, 16 were children under the age of 10, who are among the most vulnerable to severe measles complications.
Driedger believes health authorities are doing their best to increase immunization rates. Last year, measles vaccination eligibility was extended to children as young as six months in Southern Health. A provincial spokesperson confirmed that 2,078 infants between six and twelve months have received the measles vaccine since the expansion.
Driedger's research on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in the region suggests that increasing vaccine availability doesn't necessarily lead to increased vaccination rates. She emphasizes the importance of local health providers delivering public health messages about vaccines, as primary care providers, including doctors, have been having direct conversations with their patients about the COVID-19 vaccine.
"There was a greater willingness to listen because it was coming from people who also lived in the community," she said. "Having the conversation ensures they leave the door open. Even if the patient didn't want to accept the vaccine at that point, they might return to it."
Driedger believes conversations are key in addressing the measles outbreak as well. While it's not a magic solution, it certainly helps.
Kyle Penner, co-pastor of Grace Mennonite Church in Steinbach, part of the Southern Health region, has dealt with vaccine hesitancy by referring concerns about measles or immunization to health professionals within his congregation. Some congregants believe that not getting vaccinated is a sign of trust in God, but Penner disagrees.
"When my kids were little, I tested the water before giving them a bath. I still wear seatbelts," he said. "I wouldn't use vaccination as a test about how faithful we are to God."
Penner emphasizes the importance of handling conversations about the measles vaccine without shame or blame. He believes in establishing a sense of teamwork and understanding, recognizing that those who choose differently are still good people.
"I think we all just need a little bit of time to heal and remember that we're on the same team," he added.
