A reported case of the measles in Selkirk turned out to be a false alarm.

Robert Smith School issued a letter Thursday informing parents of a confirmed case of measles.

But at 2 p.m. Friday, Manitoba Health's medical lead for communicable diseases Dr. Tim Hilderman confirmed that the child was not infected with the measles.

A measles outbreak in Europe and debate over vaccinations in the U.S. have returned the once-rare virus to the news in recent weeks.

Lord Selkirk School Division Supt. Scott Kwasnitza said the letter was just a precaution.

"We sent the letter out yesterday and we did say it was a confirmed case. We received information to that fact and in the spirit of erring on the side of safety we wanted the letter and information to go out because we know how contagious measles is and we wanted to be able to warn families and have them prepare," said Kwasnitza. "If families are immunized then it's really a non-threat, but for the ones who are not immunized, it's an issue."

Classes were not cancelled.

Kwasnitza said a second letter would be sent to parents Friday night informing them that it was a false alarm.