Peel Public Health has issued a warning that passengers on two flights at Toronto Pearson International Airport on June 13 may have been exposed to a confirmed case of measles. The potential exposure occurred in Terminal 1 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., according to the health unit.
Flights and Locations Involved
The exposure is linked to Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET552 from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Toronto, and Air Canada Flight AC410 from Toronto to Montreal. Anyone who was in Terminal 1 during that time frame, particularly those who arrived on or met passengers from these flights, should be aware of the risk.
Health Advisory and Vaccination Recommendations
Peel Public Health advises individuals who may have been exposed to check their immunization records to confirm they and their family members are up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) or measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccines. For those born in or after 1970, two doses of the vaccine are generally recommended. People born before 1970 are typically considered protected due to prior exposure.
Symptoms and What to Do
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after infection and can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes (conjunctivitis), sensitivity to light, and a red rash that lasts four to seven days, starting on the face and spreading downward. The disease is highly contagious and spreads easily to unimmunized individuals or those who have not previously had measles.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their health-care provider or local public health unit immediately, advises Peel Public Health. They should not attend work or school and should inform their doctor about potential exposure before visiting. For questions, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or toll-free 1-888-919-7800, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
