Toronto Public Health Warns of Possible Measles Exposure at Pearson International Airport

Image Credit, RitaE

Toronto Public Health (TPH) has issued a public advisory following confirmation of a measles case linked to international travel. Individuals who passed through Pearson International Airport’s Terminal 1 on March 2 may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus, particularly those aboard Air Canada Flight AC 002 from Tokyo to Toronto.

Health officials warn that measles spreads through airborne transmission when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, posing a risk to those who are unvaccinated or lack prior immunity. As a precaution, TPH urges anyone who may have been exposed to review their vaccination records, monitor for symptoms, and seek medical advice if needed.

The measles vaccine is a critical defense against infection, with two doses typically administered in early childhood. Those born in 1970 or later require both doses for optimal protection, while individuals born before 1970 may have natural immunity due to past exposure when measles was more widespread in Canada. People unsure of their immunization status can safely receive the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine or undergo a blood test to confirm immunity.

Symptoms of measles usually appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that starts on the face before spreading. In some cases, small white spots, known as Koplik spots, develop inside the mouth. TPH advises those who were at the affected locations to remain vigilant for symptoms until March 23. Anyone experiencing signs of infection should contact a healthcare provider immediately and call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital to prevent further spread.

For families seeking vaccinations, school-aged children can receive routine immunizations through their primary healthcare provider or at Toronto Public Health community clinics. Appointments can be scheduled online, and the vaccine is available at no cost to eligible adults through healthcare providers and select walk-in clinics.

TPH continues to monitor the situation and urges residents to stay informed. Measles is preventable through vaccination, and ensuring widespread immunity is key to stopping outbreaks before they spread.