Travellers are being warned of possible measles exposure at Toronto Pearson this month

If you were at Toronto Pearson Airport earlier this month, listen up! Toronto Public Health (TPH) has issued a measles warning after confirming a case linked to international travel, and it's essential to get informed if you may have been affected.

On Friday, December 20, TBH issued an advisory confirming that passengers on Emirates Airlines Flight EK241 from Dubai to Toronto on December 8—or anyone in Terminal 1 between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. that day—may have been exposed to measles.

Measles is described as a "highly contagious virus" that can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. This means that even if you weren't in direct contact with someone infected, you can still catch it by breathing contaminated air or touching an infected surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

According to the Government of Canada, symptoms may not show up for 7 to 21 days after exposure but include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, a rash starting on the face and spreading downward, and tiny blue-white spots in the mouth.

If you were at Pearson during the specified time, TPH advises checking your vaccination records ASAP and monitoring for these symptoms until December 29.

Measles is preventable with two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine—typically given at 12 months and again between the ages of four and six. If you haven't had both doses, you're at risk, as is anyone who's never had the disease.

TPH notes that people born before 1970 may have natural immunity due to exposure during a time when measles was more common. Still, if you're unsure of your vaccination status, you can safely receive the vaccine now or opt for a blood test to check your immunity.

TPH says it's important to stay alert, even if you're vaccinated. While rare, breakthrough cases can happen. If you experience symptoms, isolate immediately, call your healthcare provider, and wear a medical-grade mask like an N95 when seeking care. This helps protect others, especially those more vulnerable, such as young children, pregnant people, and those with compromised immune systems.

There's no specific treatment for measles, but most people can recover at home with good nutrition and plenty of fluids. In severe cases, hospitalization may be needed to manage complications. These can include dehydration, diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. In extreme cases, measles can cause brain swelling (encephalitis), seizures, permanent brain damage, hearing loss, blindness, and even death. For pregnant individuals, the risks are particularly severe, as measles can lead to premature delivery or miscarriage.

Toronto has seen an average of five measles cases per year pre-pandemic, and while the numbers remain low, international travel keeps the risk constant.

Measles can lead to serious and sometimes lifelong complications, making prevention critical. With holiday travel in full swing, now is the time to check your vaccination records and stay proactive to protect yourself and those around you!

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