Ontario officials warn of possible measles exposure at Pearson airport

Health officials in Ontario are warning the public about a possible measles exposure connected to a confirmed case involving an unimmunized child from Durham Region who recently returned from an international trip.

Exposure locations and times

The Durham Region Health Department identified three possible exposure settings:

• Ethiopian Airlines flight ET552, which departed Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Monday, Nov. 2, and arrived in Toronto at about 7:30 a.m. the following morning
• Pearson International Airport Terminal 1 on Tuesday, Nov. 3, between 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
• The emergency department waiting room at Lakeridge Health Ajax-Pickering Hospital on Nov. 3, between 10:40 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Anyone who was at these locations during the specified times is advised to monitor for symptoms until Nov. 24.

Symptoms and guidance

Health officials say measles symptoms can start seven to 21 days after exposure and can include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a red rash. The virus is highly contagious and can remain infectious for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Officials urge potentially exposed individuals to confirm they and their family members have received two doses of the measles vaccine. People born before 1970 are generally considered protected because they likely contracted measles during childhood. Those unsure of their vaccination status should contact their health care provider.

Anyone who develops symptoms is advised to stay home and avoid attending work or school. People should call ahead before visiting a doctor or clinic to inform staff of a possible measles exposure and wear a well-fitting mask when seeking medical attention.

Investigation and contacts

The health department is investigating the case and has followed up with those who have been in contact with the child. Officials have contacted known individuals in Durham Region who may have been exposed.

Anyone with questions about potential exposure at Pearson Airport can contact their local public health unit or Health 811, Ontario's provincial health advice line. More information is available on Durham Region's measles information page.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air. Infants under one year old, unimmunized pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of complications. Public health notices are intended to alert people who may have been in the same spaces as the infected child so they can watch for symptoms and take precautions.

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Sources

• theglobeandmail.com: Ontario officials warn of possible measles exposure at Pearson airport - The Globe and Mail
• torontotoday.ca: Measles exposure warning issued for Pearson Airport - TorontoToday.ca
• thestar.com: Possible measles exposure at Pearson airport
• toronto.citynews.ca: Health officials warn of possible measles exposure in Durham Region

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.