Health officials in Peel Region have issued a warning regarding possible exposure to measles at Pearson Airport earlier this month. The concerning incident occurred on Air Canada flight AC540, which arrived from Seattle to Toronto on May 3. There may have also been potential exposure in Terminal 1 between 7:28 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET on the same day. Officials are urging anyone who was in the affected areas to monitor for symptoms until May 24.
Measles is recognized as a highly contagious virus that can spread through the air when an infected individual breathes, coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus has the ability to remain airborne or linger on surfaces for up to two hours. This poses a risk for individuals who might breathe in contaminated air or touch surfaces that carry the virus, subsequently touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Symptoms of measles typically emerge between seven to 21 days post-infection. Initial signs may include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. These symptoms are often followed by a distinctive red blotchy rash that begins on the face and progressively spreads to the body and limbs. The disease can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and even death.
This incident marks the sixth confirmed case of measles reported in Peel Region, highlighting a concerning trend as it has already doubled the number of cases recorded throughout the entirety of 2024. Of these six cases, three are classified as travel-related, indicating a potential link to visitors from regions with existing outbreaks.
Since October, Ontario has documented over 1,243 measles cases, resulting in 84 hospitalizations, with 63 of those affected being children. The Peel Region's cases are reportedly not connected to the ongoing multi-jurisdictional measles outbreak currently affecting Ontario, according to public health officials.
Dr. Kieran Moore, the Chief Medical Officer of Health, sent a memo to local public health units in March, outlining that the source of the broader outbreak originated from a large gathering involving guests from Mennonite communities in New Brunswick during the previous fall. This detail underscores the importance of monitoring and preventive measures in communities where measles exposure occurs.
With the rising number of cases and the high contagion rate of measles, health authorities are stressing the critical need for community awareness and vigilance. Those in Peel Region and surrounding areas are encouraged to verify their vaccination status and seek medical attention if any symptoms develop, particularly those who may have been in contact with the flight or at the airport during the specified times.
Continued efforts in immunization campaigns and education regarding the importance of vaccination could help curb the spread of measles and protect vulnerable populations, especially children, who are at greater risk of severe illness.
