Measles confirmed in child who travelled through Pearson Airport in Mississauga
Published March 14, 2024 at 7:10 am
A confirmed case of measles has been reported in a Hamilton child, who acquired the virus on a recent trip to India.
The child is now isolating at home and Hamilton Public Health is following up with known contacts in the city who may have been exposed to the measles virus. Hamilton Public Health is also looking at possible exposures outside of the city.
The investigation has determined that members of the public may have been exposed to the measles virus at:
- Saudi Arabian Airlines Flight SV 61 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on March 5 at 9:40 am (local time in Jeddah), which landed in Toronto on the same day at 3:25 pm (EST).
- Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 3 on March 5 between the hours of 3:25 pm and 8:30 pm.
Hamilton Public Health Services is not aware of any additional exposure locations at this time.
“We are seeing a rise in measles cases around the world, and increased risk at home. Measles is a serious threat that is preventable with vaccination,” said Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Lew. “We can combat the spread of measles through education, vaccination and vigilant public health measures.”
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a respiratory virus. Measles spreads easily to those who are not vaccinated against measles or who have not previously had measles. Babies (under one year), pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of severe complications.
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“All Hamiltonians should ensure that they are up to date on routine vaccinations including for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), particularly children who may have delayed routine vaccinations through the COVID-19 pandemic,” added Lew.
Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after infection and may include:
- High fever of 38.8°C (101°F) or greater
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Drowsiness
- Irritability
- Red, watery eyes
- Small white spots with white centres, known as Koplik’s spots, on the inside of the mouth and throat
- Red, blotchy rash three to seven days after symptoms start
If you are concerned you have been exposed to someone with measles you should ensure you are current with your measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV) and monitor for symptoms of measles – even if you have been innoculated for the virus.
If symptoms develop:
- Do not attend work, school, childcare, or any other public places.
- Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss follow-up recommendations.
- Call your healthcare provider before going to see them to inform them that you may have been in contact with someone who has measles.
If your healthcare provider is unavailable contact Hamilton Public Health Services at (365) 324-1439 to speak with a nurse. Non-Hamilton residents are asked to call their local Public Health unit.
All members of the public should check their immunization record to confirm they and their family members are up to date with their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Those who are unsure are asked to check with their health care provider.
Two doses are recommended for anyone born in 1970 or after. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.
People working at a health care facility (health care workers, staff, regular volunteers) and military personnel require documented evidence of vaccination with two valid doses of measles-containing vaccine or proof of immunity regardless of year of birth.
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