Measles Discovered on Flight into Mississauga

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Published March 13, 2018 at 5:19 pm

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Some travelers who recently flew into Pearson Airport in Mississauga are being warned that they might have been exposed to measles.

Toronto Public Health (TPH) recently announced that it’s investigating a lab-confirmed case of measles and is following up with individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. 

TPH says that people may have been exposed to measles on Air Canada flight AC 0879, a direct flight that departed from Zürich Airport in Zurich, Switzerland at 9:25 a.m. and arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport at 12:07 p.m. on March 6.

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 are particularly vulnerable and can become very ill. 

TPH says that while the risk of acquiring measles is believed to be low, they’re advising 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. Contact your health care provider before going to see them to 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.

So if you were on the flight (or feel you might have come into contact with someone else who was exposed) and feel ill, see your doctor.

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