Community Health

Measles is one of the most highly contagious diseases characterized by a red, blotchy rash. The measles virus spreads through close personal contact with an infected person and through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 

Measles cases are increasing in the province of Manitoba. The virus can be spread by droplets that can stay in the air for several hours, therefore, if you have shared space with someone who has contracted measles it is best practice to monitor for symptoms, especially if you have not been vaccinated. 

Locations of measles exposures in the province can be found on this Manitoba Health site. Monitor this site for your personal health to learn if you have potentially been exposed to measles. 

Learn more from Manitoba Health.

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are viral infections that affect the liver and can be prevented through vaccination. According to Manitoba Health, hepatitis A is primarily spread through the fecal–oral route, most often by consuming food or water contaminated with the stool of an infected person or through close personal contact, with recent cases in Manitoba generally occurring in localized outbreaks and overall risk to the general population remaining low. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood and certain bodily fluids, including unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or drug-use equipment, and from an infected parent to infant during birth; in Manitoba, most identified cases reflect chronic infection rather than new acute transmission, with relatively stable overall rates. In workplace or clinical settings, exposure to hepatitis B (and less commonly hepatitis A) can occur through needlestick injuries, cuts from contaminated instruments, or contact between infectious fluids and broken skin or mucous membranes. Both infections are preventable through immunization, as well as proper hygiene practices, safe handling of sharps, and adherence to infection prevention and control measures.

Learn more about Hepatitis A from Manitoba Health.

Learn more about Hepatitis B from Manitoba Health.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. HIV is spread through contact with certain bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. In clinical workplace settings, exposure can occur through needlestick or sharps injuries, cuts from contaminated instruments, or contact between infected blood or bodily fluids and broken skin, eyes, nose, or mouth. Although the risk of occupational transmission is low, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling and disposal of sharps, hand hygiene, and adherence to infection prevention and control practices are essential to reducing exposure risks. Manitoba continues to report some of the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses in Canada, highlighting the importance of prevention, regular testing, early diagnosis, and access to treatment. Preventive measures such as safer sex practices, condom use, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can help reduce transmission, while early treatment allows people living with HIV to maintain healthy lives and prevent further spread of the virus.

Learn more from Manitoba Health.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (deer tick). In Manitoba, blacklegged ticks are most commonly found in southern regions of the province, particularly in wooded, forested, and grassy areas, and the number of tick populations and Lyme disease risk areas has increased over time. People may be exposed while hiking, camping, gardening, hunting, or spending time outdoors in areas where ticks are present. Common symptoms can include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a characteristic expanding rash. Manitoba Health recommends preventing tick bites by using insect repellent, wearing long clothing, performing tick checks after outdoor activities, and removing ticks promptly to reduce the risk of infection. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are important to prevent more serious complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.

Learn more from Manitoba Health and WCB. 

Hantavirus disease is a rare but serious respiratory illness caused by exposure to hantaviruses carried primarily by infected deer mice. In Manitoba, cases are uncommon but have been reported, particularly in rural and southwestern regions where deer mice are more prevalent. People can become exposed by inhaling airborne particles contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, especially while cleaning enclosed spaces such as cabins, sheds, barns, garages, or other areas where rodents may be present. Early symptoms may include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and gastrointestinal symptoms, which can progress to severe breathing difficulties. Manitoba Health recommends preventing exposure by controlling rodent infestations, safely cleaning rodent-contaminated areas using proper disinfection methods, and avoiding activities that stir up dust in areas with rodent activity. Early medical attention is important, as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can become life-threatening.

Learn more from Manitoba Health.

MB Hantavirus Update - June 2, 2026