Members of the public may have been exposed to the measles at Pearson Airport, on 2 flights: health unit

Blood sample positive with measles virus

Peel Public Health says members of the public may have been exposed to the measles on June 13 at Pearson Airport and on two flights.

They include flights ET552 from Addis Ababa to Toronto and Air Canada AC410 from Toronto to Montreal at Terminal 1 at Pearson International Airport, 6301 Silver Dart Dr. in Mississauga, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The health unit, which directly contacts people who were at exposure sites, if possible, says it is investigating exposure related to one confirmed case of the virus.

It is advising anyone who was at these sites or thinks they have been exposed to measles to check their immunization record to confirm they and their family members are up to date with measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Those who are unsure can check with their health care provider.

Two doses are generally recommended for anyone born in or after 1970. The health unit said in general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.

Further, anyone who is experiencing measles symptoms is advised to contact their health care provider, or if not available, their local public health unit as soon as possible to get advice.

People who believe they may be infected should not attend work or school.

They should also inform their health care provider before going to see them, advising them that they may have been in contact with someone who has measles.

‘Highly contagious’

“Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily to those who are not immunized or have not previously had measles,” public health said on social media.

Symptoms of the virus usually begin seven to 21 days after infection and may include high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis, i.e. pink eye), sensitivity to light, and a red rash lasting four to seven days that starts on the face and spreads downward.

While the risk of getting measles in the Region Peel is low, it is still important to stay informed, says Peel Public Health, which continues to monitor the situation and is investigating every new case.

Anyone with further questions can call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or 1-888-919-7800 (toll-free). Phones are answered from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

More information about the measles situation across Ontario is also available online.