Health officials warn of possible measles exposure at Toronto Pearson

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is warning travellers of a possible measles exposure at Pearson airport (YYZ).

In a news release Friday (Dec. 20), TPH said it was investigating a measles case involving someone who recently travelled abroad.

According to the notice, those who may have been exposed to the virus are passengers of the Dec. 8 Emirates Airlines Flight EK241 from Dubai to Toronto and those at Pearson’s Terminal 1 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. that same day.

TPH notes that measles is a highly-contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks.

“The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours,” TPH noted. “People can become infected if they breathe contaminated air or touch an infected surface, then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.”

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus at any of the above locations are advised to check their vaccination record to ensure protection from measles, which is a preventable disease.

The vaccine is typically given at 12 months of age, with a second dose administrated between four to six years of age.

“Anyone who has not received two doses of the measles vaccine or has not had measles before is at risk of infection,” said TPH.

People born in 1970 or later require two doses of the measles vaccine for the best protection if they have not had the virus. Anyone born before 1970 may have had a measles infection, as the virus was common during that time.

Anyone unsure about their vaccination status can receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. A blood test can also be done to determine immunity.

TPH also advises the travellers to monitor for symptoms until Sunday (Dec. 29).

Symptoms can include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, a red rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body and small blue-white spots (Koplik spots) that can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat.

“Stay alert for symptoms even if vaccinated against measles. If symptoms develop, contact a health care provider immediately,” TPH said.

The measles vaccine is free for eligible adults through primary care and some walk-in clinics.

This is the second time this month that there has been a possible measles exposure at YYZ’s Terminal 1.

Peel Public Health said a recently confirmed case of measles involved a traveller who flew from Kabul to Toronto, transiting through Istanbul, on Dec. 4.

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