Passengers on a flight to Toronto's Pearson Airport from Pakistan last week may have been exposed to the measles.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit in a media release Monday said people arriving on Pakistan International Airlines Flight 781 from Islamabad, Pakistan to Toronto, landing at about 7:00 p.m. on December 22, 2023, may have been exposed to the virus.
The health unit said that while the risk to passengers is low, anyone who thinks they may have been exposed should follow these steps:
• Check your immunization record, and make sure you and your family members are up to date with the measles vaccination (noted as the “MMR” or “MMRV” on records).
o Two doses are recommended for anyone born after 1969.
o If you are unsure about your vaccination status, please check with your health
care provider. In general, those born before 1970 are considered immune against
measles.
• Anyone who was on the flight who is immunocompromised and not immune to the
measles virus or who was travelling with an unvaccinated infant should contact their
local public health unit immediately to discuss post-exposure treatment to minimize risk.
People who are unvaccinated, including children under the age of one, are at highest risk.
Signs and symptoms of measles, including high fever, cold-like symptoms, sore eyes, sensitivity to light and a red rash can appear up to 21 days after exposure.
If you think you may have measles and need to see a health care provider, you must call the clinic or hospital before you go to inform them that you may have been exposed to this virus, allowing health care staff to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection to staff and visitors.
For more information about the measles, including symptoms, visit the health unit's website.
