Toronto has a confirmed case of measles

TORONTO, Thursday, April 27, 2023 – Toronto Public Health (TPH) is investigating a lab-confirmed travel-related case of measles in an adult. Residents are reminded that the measles virus is circulating in many countries and that they should check to ensure they are protected against measles by getting vaccinated before travelling. In this case TPH has provided a detailed list of possible exposure locations and times and times.

What is Measles and how is it transmitted?

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily to those who are susceptible. Measles is a virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected.

Who can be infected by Measles?

Anyone who has not had two doses of a measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV) or who has not had measles in the past is at risk of infection. Infants under one year of age, pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems can get very ill with measles.

Where and when the public may have been exposed to Measles in Toronto

TPH is following up on known contacts who may have been exposed to the measles virus. The public may have been exposed in the following settings:

• April 14: Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Emergency Department Ambulatory waiting room, between 11:15 p.m. and 3:30 a.m.
• April 15: Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Emergency Department Ambulatory Area, between 1:40 a.m. and 5:40 a.m.
• April 18: Harbourfront Apple Tree Medical Clinic, 8 York St., Unit # 4, between 12:30 and 5 p.m.
• April 19: Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St., Emergency Department Rapid Assessment Centre, between 10 p.m. and 12:45 a.m.
• April 20: Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St.:
  • Tropical Diseases/Liver/Immunodeficiency Clinic waiting room, between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
  • Blood Collection/Diagnostic Test Centre and Pre-Admission Clinic waiting room, between 2:45 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• April 21: Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St.:
  • Tropical Diseases Liver/Immunodeficiency Clinic waiting room, between 9:50 a.m. and 11:50 a.m.
  • Blood Collection/Diagnostic Test Centre and Pre-Admission Clinic waiting room, between 11:35 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

Toronto Public Health advises anyone who may have been exposed to the virus to do the following:

• Check their immunization record to make sure they and their family members have two doses of measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Those who are unsure are asked to check with their health care provider. Two doses are recommended for anyone born after 1969. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.
• Even individuals who are up to date with measles vaccine should watch for symptoms of measles. These include a high fever, cold-like symptoms (cough/runny nose), red eyes or sensitivity to light and a red rash lasting four to seven days.
• Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider as soon as possible and not attend work or school. People concerned about symptoms should call their health care provider before going to see them to inform them that they may have been in contact with someone who has measles.
• Infants under one year of age, pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems can become very ill with measles. These individuals, their parents or caregivers who may have been at the above-named locations when they could have been exposed to measles are encouraged to call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 to discuss follow-up recommendations.

More information is available on the Toronto Public Health measles webpage.

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