Toronto health unit warns of measles exposure at Pearson Airport
· Toronto Sun
Toronto Public Health is warning the public of a potential measles exposure that occurred at Pearson Airport last month.
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The health unit said it is currently investigating a confirmed case of measles , with possible exposure on two separate flights and at the airport.
Health officials said the exposure happened on the South American-based airline Avianca, Flight AV579, which flew from Guatemala City, Guatemala to El Salvador’s capital San Salvador on Feb. 21.
The following day, the exposure also occurred on Avianca, Flight AV324, from San Salvador to Toronto, and at Pearson’s Terminal 1 arrivals from approximately 1:40 p.m. to 4:10 p.m.
Toronto Public Health advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus during those flights and times to check their vaccination record for measles protection.
The health unit also said to monitor for symptoms until March 15.
Highly contagious virus
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. 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.
Symptoms 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 that can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat.
Measles is a preventable disease. Vaccines are typically given at 12 months of age, and a second dose between four to six years of age.
Anyone who has not received two doses of the measles vaccine or has not had measles is at risk of infection, health officials said.
York officials warn of separate exposures
Meanwhile, York Region Public Health made the public aware on Tuesday of six measles exposure sites following a confirmed case.
Health officials there said the person became infected outside Canada.
Possible exposure sites include York Region Transit Bus routes between Feb. 23 and Feb. 27 during daytime hours and Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital’s emergency department on Feb. 28 from 3 p.m. to 6:10 p.m.