Public health officials in Peel Region have announced a potential exposure to a confirmed case of measles at Canada’s Pearson Airport earlier this month. The exposure concerns passengers who may have been in close contact with the measles case during specific flights and in designated areas of the airport.

Individuals who were on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET552 from Addis Ababa to Toronto, along with those on Air Canada flight AC410 from Toronto to Montreal on June 13, are advised to take precautions. Additionally, anyone who was present in Terminal 1 of Pearson Airport on the same day between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. may also have been exposed to the virus.

Peel Public Health is urging those who might have been exposed to closely monitor themselves for any potential symptoms of measles until July 4. Symptoms can appear anywhere from 7 to 21 days after infection, making it critical for individuals to stay vigilant for the onset of illness during this period.

Health officials have emphasized that measles is a highly contagious disease, especially impacting individuals who are not vaccinated or have never had measles before. The hallmark symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, and a distinctive red rash that typically lasts between 4 to 7 days.

For anyone experiencing these symptoms, health authorities recommend contacting a healthcare provider or local public health unit promptly for further guidance and potential testing. Early detection and response are essential in managing the spread of measles, given its highly infectious nature.

As part of ongoing monitoring and health safety measures, Public Health Ontario has reported a total of 27 measles cases for the year 2026 as of May 26. This statistic underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates within the community, as the disease can spread quickly among susceptible populations.

Health officials continue to stress the relevance of vaccination as a protective barrier against measles. The recent exposure at Pearson Airport serves as a reminder of the ongoing presence of vaccine-preventable diseases and highlights the need for community awareness and readiness to respond to public health notifications.

In light of this situation, Peel Public Health is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. They are actively providing updates and health information to keep the public informed about potential health risks and necessary preventative measures.