Four more measles cases were confirmed in Manitoba during the second week of November, health officials report.

The number of confirmed infections rose to 253 by Nov. 15, from 249 as of Nov. 8 , says Manitoba Health data updated on Friday.

Health officials also report two more probable measles cases in Manitoba, bringing that number to 18 since the start of the year.

Sixteen measles patients this year have required hospitalization, including 13 children under age 10, the province said.

Measles is a highly infectious disease that spreads through droplets formed in the air when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. Even a few minutes in the same space as a sick person poses infection risks, as the virus can linger on surfaces for two hours after an infected person leaves .

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