Toronto Pearson, Durham region ER among possible measles exposure sites

Health authorities in the Greater Toronto Area are alerting recent travelers of a possible measles exposure at Toronto Pearson International Airport last weekend. The Durham Region Health Department has identified three additional exposure locations linked to a confirmed measles case in an unimmunized local child who had traveled abroad.

One of these locations is traced to Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET552, which flew from Addis Ababa to Toronto, landing in Toronto on November 3rd at 7:30 a.m. EST after departing Addis Ababa at 11:32 p.m. East Africa time on November 2nd. In addition to the airport, the Lakeridge Health Ajax-Pickering Emergency Department's waiting room experienced an exposure on November 3rd between 10:40 a.m. and 5 p.m. Individuals who were present at these locations during these times are advised to monitor for symptoms until November 24th.

Symptoms of measles include a high fever above 38.3 C, cough, runny nose, red rash lasting four to seven days, and red, watery eyes with sensitivity to light, with symptoms usually appearing seven to 21 days after infection. Those who develop symptoms are asked to refrain from attending work or school and to call ahead before visiting any health clinic or their primary care provider.

Anyone with concerns about exposure at the airport should reach out to their local public health unit or Health 811. Local health officials have contacted known contacts in the Durham Region, but the warning follows the discovery of potential additional exposures.