Measles Exposure Alert Issued for Toronto Pearson Travellers

Travellers who passed through Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) last week are being advised to monitor for symptoms of measles following a confirmed case involving a child who recently returned from international travel.

The Durham Region Health Department issued an alert on Saturday (Nov. 7), identifying several potential exposure locations connected to an unvaccinated child diagnosed with the highly contagious virus.

Among the locations is Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson, where passengers and airport visitors may have been exposed on November 3, between 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Health officials have also identified Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET552, which departed Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on November 2 at 11:32 p.m. local time and arrived in Toronto the following morning at 7:30 a.m. EST, as a potential exposure site.

A third location is the emergency department waiting room at Lakeridge Health Ajax-Pickering, where possible exposure occurred on November 3 between 10:40 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Passengers and others who were present at any of the identified locations are being asked to monitor their health until November 24.

Measles symptoms generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure and can include a high fever exceeding 38.3°C, coughing, a runny nose, red or watery eyes, sensitivity to light and a distinctive red rash that can last four to seven days.

It’s also highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.

“If you develop symptoms, stay home and do not attend work or school. Call ahead before visiting a clinic or a primary care provider and let them know you may have measles to allow them to prepare and prevent the spread of the virus. Wear a well-fitting mask when getting a medical assessment,” health officials wrote.

Individuals with questions about airport exposures are being advised to contact their local public health unit or Health 811, the provincial health help line.