Confirmed measles case in Durham region: unimmunized child with history of recent international travel

Durham region’s health department is warning residents of a confirmed measles case in an unimmunized child with a history of recent international travel.

In a news release Saturday, the department said members of the public may have been exposed to the virus at the following locations:

• Ethiopian Airlines flight ET552, travelling from Addis Ababa to Toronto from 11:32 p.m. East Africa Time on Monday to 7:30 a.m. EST on Tuesday.
• Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday.
• Lakeridge Health Ajax, in the Pickering emergency waiting room Tuesday, between 10:40 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Anyone who was in these areas at those times of day is asked to watch for symptoms until Nov. 24, Durham region said in its news release. 

The health department says it is investigating and following up directly with those who are known to have been in contact with the child.

Residents who believe they may have been exposed to the virus should confirm they have two doses of the measles vaccine, stay home if they develop symptoms, call ahead before visiting a clinic or primary care centre and wear a well-fitted mask when getting a medical assessment, Durham region suggests.

People born before 1970 would likely have had measles illness as a child and are protected, according to the health department.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily to those who are not vaccinated and have not previously had it. Children under the age of one, unimmunized pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications.

The measles virus can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours and symptoms typically develop seven to 21 days after infection, the health department said.

Symptoms include a high fever, a cough, a runny nose, red watery eyes (conjunctivitis, including pink eye), sensitivity to light and a red rash lasting four to seven days.