Toronto/CMEDIA: While Toronto Public Health (TPH) is investigating a case of measles, there is a possiblity of members of the public being exposed on the following flight and location on Sunday, March 2:
- Air Canada, Flight AC 002 (Tokyo to Toronto)
- Toronto Pearson International Airport: Terminal 1 from approximately 4:50 p.m. to 7:40 p.m.
A highly contagious virus, Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks.
As the virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, people can become infected by breathing 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, TPH advises to do the following:
- Check vaccination record for measles protection
Measles being a vaccine preventable disease, the vaccine is typically given at 12 months of age, with a second dose given between four to six years of age. Those who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine or have not had measles disease is at risk of infection.
Those 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 when the virus was common in Canada.
Those unsure about the status of their vaccination can safely receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. A blood test can also be done to determine immunity.
- Monitor for symptoms until Sunday, March 23
Symptoms 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. People are being asked to stay alert for symptoms even if you have been vaccinated against measles. If symptoms develop, a health care provider should be immediately contacted.
Call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital to allow them to prepare and prevent the spread of the virus. Wear a well-fitting, medical grade mask (e.g., N95) when getting a medical assessment.
School-aged children can catch up on routine vaccinations by booking an appointment with their primary health care provider or at a TPH community clinic. Book an appointment at www.tphbookings.ca. The vaccine is free for eligible adults through primary care and some walk-in clinics.
More information about measles is available on the City of Toronto’s measles fact sheet.
