Toronto Public Health (TPH) is warning members of the public who travelled through Pearson International Airport of potential measles exposure.
The public health body is investigating a case of measles with a recent history of international travel.
Measles exposure may have occurred on Turkish Airlines Flight TK17 (Istanbul to Toronto), which arrived at Pearson's Terminal 1 on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 5:30 p.m.
TPH advised anyone who may have been exposed to virus to check their vaccination records and monitor for symptoms until Feb. 12.
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, TPH said.
Measles is a vaccine preventable disease, TPH said. "Anyone who has not received two doses of the measles vaccine or has not had measles before is at risk of infection," said a press release.
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 (Koplik spots) that can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat.
If symptoms develop, contact a health care provider immediately, TPH said. Call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital to allow them to prepare and prevent the spread of the virus. Wear a well-fitting, medical grade mask (e.g., N95) when getting a medical assessment.
