Toronto Public Health (TPH) is alerting the public about a potential measles exposure in the Scarborough area, following the report of a travel-related case of the disease. Individuals visiting specific health care facilities may have been exposed to the viral infection in late June.
The exposure occurred at several locations during a three-day period. On Sunday, June 28, individuals were potentially exposed at the Scarborough Health Network, General Hospital ER waiting room, located at 3050 Lawrence Ave. E, Scarborough, ON M1P 2V5. The exposure timeframe at this location was from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m..
On the following day, Monday, June 29, another place of potential exposure was the Markington Family Care and Walk-in Clinic, found at 3227 Eglinton Ave. E, Unit 143 to 144, Scarborough, ON M1J 2H6. Visitors at this facility may have been exposed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m..
Additionally, on Tuesday, June 30, individuals might have encountered the measles virus at the Scarborough Health Network, General Hospital, Kids Out-patient Clinic. This location is also at 3050 Lawrence Ave. E, Scarborough, ON M1P 2V5, and the exposure period was from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m..
In their public advisory, Toronto Public Health emphasized that parents or guardians of infants under one year of age, who may have been exposed to measles during these dates, should immediately contact the agency or call 311. This demographic might be eligible for immunoglobulin treatment to help prevent infection.
The reported exposure is associated with a travel-related case of measles, which health officials clarified is not linked to the World Cup. Toronto was a host city for six international soccer matches from June 12 to July 2, but the source of this measles case is unrelated to the event.
Officials urge those who might have been exposed to verify their vaccination status against measles and to monitor for symptoms such as fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and rashes up until July 21. The health department noted that measles can spread through the air when an infected individual breathes, coughs, sneezes, or talks, and the virus can persist in the air or remain on surfaces for over two hours.
As of now, Toronto Public Health has confirmed a total of five cases of measles in the area this year, all linked to international travel. The health agency continues to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to the public as necessary.
