Officials warn travellers of potential measles exposure at Pearson

News Room
By News Room 2 Min Read

Health officials are warning travellers who visited Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week of a potential measles exposure.

In a statement issued on Friday, Toronto Public Health (TPH) said it was investigating a case of the measles with a history of international travel.

Officials say the public may have been exposed to the virus on Turkish Airlines Flight TK17 which departed from Istanbul, Türkiye and arrived at Pearson’s Terminal 1 at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

“Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks,” City health officials said. “The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. People can become infected if they breathe contaminated air or touch an infected surface, then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.”

TPH advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus to check their vaccination records to ensure they are immunized and to monitor for symptoms until February 12.

“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease. The vaccine is typically given at 12 months of age, with a second dose administrated between four to six years of age,” the City says. “Anyone who has not received two doses of the measles vaccine or has not had measles before is at risk of infection.”

“Symptoms of the disease can 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,” TPH added. “If symptoms develop, contact a health care provider immediately.”

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