Toronto Public Health is warning residents about possible exposure to measles after confirming a travel-related case of the highly contagious virus.
The public may have been exposed at two Scarborough locations, according to a City of Toronto news release issued Sunday. On Sunday, June 28, the exposure site was the emergency room waiting area at Scarborough Health Network's General Hospital, located at 3050 Lawrence Ave. E., from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. On Monday, June 29, the exposure site was the Markington Family Care and Walk-in Clinic at 3227 Eglinton Ave. E., Unit 143.
TPH has now confirmed five cases of measles this year, all linked to travel outside Canada.
What exposed residents should do
Health officials are urging anyone who believes they were exposed to first check their vaccination records. Parents or guardians of infants under one year of age who may have been exposed should contact Toronto Public Health or call 311 immediately, as those infants may be eligible for immunoglobulin treatment to help prevent infection.
The measles vaccine is typically given at 12 months of age, with a second dose between four and six years old. People born in 1970 or later need two doses for the best protection if they have not had the virus. Anyone born before 1970 may already have immunity from a prior infection, as measles was once common in Canada.
Anyone unsure of their status who is at least one year old can safely receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, the release said. A blood test can also confirm immunity.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks, and the virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. People can become infected by breathing contaminated air or touching a contaminated surface and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Symptoms to watch for
Symptoms can include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a red rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body. Small blue-white spots, known as Koplik spots, can also appear inside the mouth and throat.
TPH advises residents to stay alert for symptoms even if they or their children have been vaccinated. If symptoms develop, they should contact a health-care provider immediately and call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital so staff can prepare and prevent further spread. A well-fitting, medical-grade mask such as an N95 should be worn when getting a medical assessment.
Vaccination options available
School-aged children can catch up on routine vaccinations through their primary health-care provider or at a TPH community clinic, with appointments available at tphbookings.ca. The vaccine is free for eligible adults through primary care and some walk-in clinics.
TPH noted that measles cases are currently increasing in many parts of the world, and advised families planning travel to affected areas to ensure everyone is up to date on their vaccinations. Infants between six and 12 months old can receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine for travel protection.
More information is available at toronto.ca/measles.
