Risk of Measles Exposure – Toronto Pearson Airport

Northwestern Health Unit - Special to The Bulletin

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) is advising the public of a risk of exposure to measles at Pearson Airport in Toronto on March 2, 2025.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne illness that spreads easily. Anyone who was at the following location between the times listed is considered exposed to measles.
If you were at the above location during the exposure time:

1. Check vaccination records to ensure protection from measles.

• Immunity requires two doses of a measles vaccine or proof of immunity through a blood test. If you have only had one dose or are unsure of your vaccination status:
  
• Call your health care provider
  
• Call your local NWHU office or email [email protected]
  
• Check your record through ICON
  
• At Risk Ontarians are eligible for free measles vaccination through NWHU and primary care clinics.
  

2. Monitor for symptoms until MARCH 23, 2025. Anyone exposed to measles can develop symptoms up to 21 days after the exposure. Symptoms can include:

• High fever
  
• Cold-like symptoms
  
• Cough
  
• Runny nose
  
• Small spots with white centres inside the mouth
  
• Sore eyes and sensitivity to light
  
• Red blotchy rash lasting four to seven days
  

Watch for symptoms even if you are vaccinated against measles. If symptoms develop, isolate at home and do not attend work or school. See a health care provider for testing and call ahead to clinics before attending and let them know you were exposed to measles. Call NWHU for further direction at 807-468-3147.
Avoid contact with those who are at higher risk, including infants under 12 months, those who are pregnant or immunocompromised, and avoid health care settings, schools and daycares, mom and baby groups until it is past March 23, 2025, even if you have no symptoms.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe illness in some people, including death. The vaccine is very effective for preventing illness.
For more information on measles see our fact sheet (https://www.nwhu.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Measles-Fact-Sheet.pdf)