Measles alert issued! Public health urges vigilance after a potential outbreak linked to a Winnipeg Jets game. Monitor symptoms and protect high-risk individuals.
Manitoba Public Health officers have issued a statement indicating a possible measles outbreak linked directly to the Winnipeg Jets' game at Canada Life Centre on February 4 vs. Montreal.
The game was a 5-1 loss to the visiting Canadiens and was Winnipeg's final test before the extended Winter Olympic break. Other events, such as The Offsprings and HARDY concerts, as well as RAM Motorsport Spectacular have occurred in the space since the possible exposure.
Photo by Markell DeLoatch/USA Today The province is advising anyone who attended the February 4 game and was seated in the 300 level or frequented the 300-level concourse to monitor for symptoms until February 26.
Babies under the age of one, pregnant individuals and others who have immune deficiencies or are high risk to illness advised to consider not attending large-scale events in the coming weeks, as cases within Manitoba have skyrocketed, and now account for more than half of Canada's total measles caseload.
There are have been 119 cases of measles so far this year, 70 current and 10 more probable cases within the province. 2025 saw just 319 total cases. 2026 is on pace to more than double that number.
Another large-scale event that led to a 35-case breakout was the Manitoba Agriculture Days event in Brandon from January 20-22 in Brandon.
Other locations in Winnipeg with possible exposures over the past few weeks include Costco, Superstore, the airport, Grace Hospital, various restaurants and car dealerships.
Symptoms could occur within three weeks after exposure and could include red eyes, a fever, a dripping nose, irritability and drowsiness. White dots can appear within the mouth and throat, while red blotches on the skin can then begin showing on the face and body.
High-risk groups, including infants under 12 months, pregnant individuals who are not immunized, and people with weakened immune systems, are being advised to carefully consider attending such events.