GUELPH – The local public health unit is cautioning those who visited Pearson International Airport in Toronto that they may have been exposed to measles.
The areas where people may have been exposed to a confirmed case of measles on Jan. 27 include:
– Lufthansa flight LH-470, from Frankfurt to Toronto (arrival at 4:08pm);
– Air Canada flight AC-834 or LH-6829, from Toronto to Montreal (departure at 6pm); and
– Pearson terminal 1 from 4 to 8pm.
“If you were at Pearson airport at the time and places mentioned and are unaware of your immunization status you should speak with your health care provider,” said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, associate medical officer of health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH).
“Measles is highly contagious. Make sure you are protecting yourself and those you care for by being up to date with your immunizations.”
WDGPH advises anyone who may have been exposed to check immunization records, watch for signs and symptoms, and reduce the risk of spreading to others.
Ensure all measle vaccinations are up to date (noted as the “MMR” or “MMRV” on records).
Two doses are recommended for anyone born after 1969. In general, those born before 1970 are considered immune.
Symptoms, which can appear up to 21 days after exposure, include high fever, cold-like symptoms (cough/runny nose), sore eyes or sensitivity to light, small spots with a white centre on the inside of the mouth, and a red rash lasting four to seven days.
Anyone concerned they have measles must call ahead and inform their health care provider of the possible exposure. This will allow health care staff to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection and protect others visiting the office, clinic or hospital.
The efficacy of a single dose of measles-containing vaccine given at 12 or 15 months of age is estimated to be 85 to 95 per cent. With a second dose, efficacy in children approaches 100%.
Protection from measles, mumps and rubella after getting the vaccine is life-long. Vaccination also makes the diseases milder for those who catch them, officials state.
