Toronto Public Health (TPH) is investigating a lab-confirmed case of measles in an adult resident who acquired the infection in another country. Individuals are reminded that the measles virus is circulating in many countries and that they should check to ensure they are protected against measles before travelling.
The public may have been exposed to the measles virus in the following setting:
March 20 at Vaughan Mills, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan, Ontario, between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.
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 can get very ill with measles.
TPH is following up on all known contacts who may have been exposed to the measles virus.
All people who may have been exposed are advised to do the following:
1. Check your immunization record to make sure you and your family members are up-to-date with the measles vaccination (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.
2. Even if you are up-to-date with your measles vaccination, 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.
3. If you have not had two doses of measles vaccine and you were born after 1970, a dose of vaccine is recommended to prevent the infection. This is only effective if given within three days of the exposure.
4. Infants under one year of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can get very ill with measles.
These individuals are encouraged to call the TPH hotline at 416-338-7600 or 311 after hours to discuss follow-up recommendations.
More information is available at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/diseases-medications-vaccines/measles-fact-sheet/.
Quotes:
“We know that measles continues to routinely circulate in communities. As a result, we know that now is a good time to remind residents to check their immunization status as many people have recently travelled abroad for March Break vacations. Our staff are following our routine practice to contact individuals who may have been exposed in public settings, however, if you are concerned that you or a member of your family may have been exposed to measles, please talk to your health care provider.”
– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health
“Symptoms of measles can include high fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes or sensitivity to light, small spots in the mouth or throat and a red rash on the face or body. Anyone showing symptoms of measles is advised to seek health care as soon as possible and should call the health care provider/facility in advance of visiting to advise the provider/facility of their possible exposure to the measles virus. It is important to identify measles early to help prevent its spread to other people.”
– Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s Medical Officer of Health.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of more than 2.9 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto.
The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 52,000 businesses with 636,600 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at https://bit.ly/2TFIv7T.