Health officials warn of possible measles exposure at Toronto Pearson airport

Toronto health officials are once again warning Pearson Airport travellers of a potential measles exposure that occurred last week at Terminal 1.

In a news release issued Friday (Jan. 24), Toronto Public Health (TPH) revealed that it was investigating a measles case involving a person who recently travelled abroad.

TPH said those on Turkish Airlines Flight TK17 from Istanbul to Toronto who arrived at the airport at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 22) may have been exposed to the highly-contagious virus, which spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks.

Impacted individuals are being advised to monitor for symptoms until Feb. 12.

People can become infected with measles if they breathe contaminated air or touch an infected surface, then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, TPH noted.

Symptoms of measles may 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 that can appear inside the mouth and throat.

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

This is the third time in recent months that measles has been reported at Canada’s busiest airport. As of Jan. 15, Ontario has 65 reported cases of measles in 2024 and 2025.

In Canada, 147 cases were reported last year. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, there have been eight cases of measles so far this year.

More information about measles is available on the City of Toronto’s website here. 

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