Possible measles exposure at Pearson airport on Dec. 8, Toronto Public Health warns

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is warning that travellers may have been exposed to measles on Dec. 8 on a flight from Dubai and while travelling through Toronto Pearson International Airport. 

In a news release Friday, the health agency said it's investigating a case of measles with a recent history of international travel. 

The public may have been exposed to measles on Emirates Airlines flight EK241 from Dubai to Toronto. 

They may also have been exposed at terminal one from approximately 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, the release said. 

Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to measles at the above locations is advised to check their vaccination records. 

People who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine or have not had measles before are at risk of infection.

TPH also advises monitoring for symptoms until Dec. 29. 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 on the inside of the mouth and throat. 

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, TPH said. 

People can become infected if they breathe contaminated air or touch an infected surface, then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. 

More measles cases likely: infectious disease physician

The potential measles exposure at Pearson airport is unsurprising as there have been global measles transmissions throughout the year, said Dr. Zain Chagla, an associate professor at McMaster University and an infectious disease physician. 

Since travellers are being exposed to other countries that have ongoing outbreaks, such as places in Western Europe and Southeast Asia, he said it makes sense for exposures to happen at airports while they're returning home.

"As we have more travel into the season, it's going to be likely we're going to continue to see cases moving forward," Chagla said. 

The Canadian government currently has a global measles notice on its website, warning of an increase in measles activity worldwide. 

Chagla said travellers can take precautions such as masking and washing their hands. If you're feeling sick, you may consider delaying travel plans, he added. 

Though people born before 1970 are assumed to have been infected with measles at some point, Chagla said they can consider getting a single dose of the vaccine before travelling. 

Correction: An earlier version of this story contained a typo in the Emirates Airlines flight number. This story has been corrected.