News Release

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is investigating two lab-confirmed cases of measles in adults that are travel related. Residents are reminded that the measles virus is circulating in many countries and that they should check to ensure they are protected against measles before travelling.

TPH is following up on all known contacts who may have been exposed to the measles virus. The public may have been exposed to the measles virus in the following settings:

May 5

• Remely’s Restaurant, 4830 Sheppard Ave. E., between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

• Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1, between 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

• Air Canada flight AC848, departed Toronto at 8:40 p.m. and arrived in London Heathrow airport, United Kingdom at 8:35 a.m. on May 6

May 8

• Toronto Zoo between 1:30 and 5 p.m.

• Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1, between 5 and 7:30 p.m.

• Air Canada flight AC849, departed London Heathrow airport at 2:10 p.m. and arrived at Pearson at 5 p.m.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily to those who are susceptible. Anyone who has not had two doses of a measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV) or who has not had measles in the past is at risk of infection. Infants under one year of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can get very ill with measles.

While the risk of acquiring measles is believed to be low, TPH advises anyone who may have been exposed to the virus to do the following:

• Check your immunization record to make sure you and your family members have up-to-date measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). If you are unsure, please check with your health care provider. Two doses are recommended for anyone born after 1969. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.

• Even if you are up-to-date with your measles vaccine, watch for symptoms of measles. These include a high fever, cold-like symptoms (cough/runny nose), sore eyes or sensitivity to light and a red rash lasting four to seven days.

• Anyone experiencing symptoms as described above should contact their health care provider as soon as possible and not attend work or school. Contact your health care provider before going to see them to inform them you may have been in contact with someone who has measles.

• Infants under one year of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can become very ill with measles. These individuals, their parents or caregivers are encouraged to call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 to discuss follow-up recommendations.

More information is available at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/diseases-medications-vaccines/measles-fact-sheet/.

Quote:

“There has been an increase in global measles cases and this affects what we are seeing locally. We are therefore reminding people to check their measles vaccination history, especially before any international travel. Some adults born after 1970 may have only received one dose of measles containing vaccine and may therefore be more susceptible to measles when traveling to areas experiencing higher rates of measles. We encourage people to speak with their health care provider about measles before travelling to affected areas and if you have any concerns about a possible recent exposure to measles for you, or a member of your family.”

Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health

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