The University of Manitoba has become one area for health officials to explore whether or not anyone else has contracted measles.
Both Manitoba's confirmed cases of measles involve people who had spent time at the University of Manitoba.
The province said the man in the second Manitoba case of measles attended several classes at the University of Manitoba while contagious. After his diagnosis was confirmed, health officials checked his recent history.
"Once we've got a diagnosis, then we go back to when his symptoms started and based on when the symptoms started. It's not an exact date but we know a range. So then we go back and say these are the days you would've picked this up so where were you those days,” said Dr. Michael Routledge, chief provincial public health officer.
The health officer said they are still treating this as two isolated cases but have taken aggressive steps such as media bulletins and sending notices to school to be on the lookout for symptoms and to urge parents to have their children vaccinated – steps they say they normally would not take.
About 80 per cent of Manitobans are immunized.
The province said Tuesday that people who were at the following locations should be aware of possible exposure to infection, including at the University of Manitoba, March 20, at the following spots and times:
• St. Paul's College, Room 225 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Machray Hall, Room 418 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• EITC-E2, Room 105 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Frank Kennedy study hall, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and from 5:15 p.m. to 8 p.m.
People who were also at Concordia Hospital emergency department, March 22 between 10:15 p.m. and 10:40 p.m. may also have been exposed, said the province.
People who visited those locations at those times who think they might have measles or who have been in close contact with someone who had been diagnosed with measles should call their health-care provider or Health Links-Info Santé at 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) for more information.
“Symptoms of measles generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure. Initial symptoms may include fever, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat,” said the province.
To help reduce the spread of measles, the province said people can do the following:
• ensure immunizations are up to date
• wash their hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• avoid sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils
• cover coughs and sneezes with the forearm or a tissue
• stay home when sick
- with a report from Rahim Ladhani
