Toronto Public Health investigating a confirmed case of measles

Mar 13 2018, 3:06 am

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is investigating a lab-confirmed case of the measles.

According to TPH, the travel-related case involves members of the public who were on Air Canada flight AC0879 on March 6.

The direct flight departed from Zürich Airport in Switzerland at 9:25 am and arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport at 12:07 pm that day.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily to those who are susceptible. Anyone who has not had two doses of a measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV) or who has not had measles in the past is at risk of infection. Infants under one year of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems can get very ill with measles.

While the risk of acquiring measles is believed to be low, TPH advises anyone who may have been exposed to the virus to do the following:

• Check your immunization record to make sure you and your family members have up-to-date measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). If you are unsure, please check with your health care provider. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.
• Even if you are up-to-date with your measles vaccine, watch for symptoms of measles. These include a high fever, cold-like symptoms (cough/runny nose), sore eyes or sensitivity to light, and a red rash lasting four to seven days.
• Anyone experiencing symptoms as described above should contact their health care provider as soon as possible and not attend work or school. Inform them you have been in contact with someone who has measles.
• Infants under one year of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems can become very ill with measles. These individuals, their parents or caregivers are encouraged to call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 to discuss follow-up recommendations.

TPH investigated a similar travel-case of measles in August 2017.

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