Public Health Alert – Exposure to Measles

Situation

A traveler at Toronto Pearson Airport on March 2, 2025, was infected with measles. Anyone at Toronto Pearson Airport, Terminal 1, between 4:50 PM and 7:40 PM EST was exposed to measles. Those exposed could be incubating for 21 days after exposure.

At least one local school sports trip has been exposed. Northwestern Health Unit is proactively connecting with families of unimmunized students to promote and offer vaccines and notify the public. 

Actions requested

• Communicate with patients that vaccines are highly effective in preventing disease
• Provide MMR vaccine to any of your patients who do not have 2 documented doses and request vaccine (the National Advisory Committee on Immunization indicates that there is no value in more than 2 doses of MMR)
• Consider measles in patients presenting with fever and rash and other measles symptoms (cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis), among those with recent travel or those who have had an exposure to measles
• Use airborne precautions when measles is suspected
• Follow current testing guidance as laid out by Public Health Ontario Laboratory; PCR testing (NP/throat swab and urine) and serology is preferred for diagnosis
• Report immediately to NWHU if you suspect a case of measles or any other Disease of Public Health Significance

Additional information and resources

• Measles | Public Health Ontario
• Measles Information for Health Care Providers
• Measles in Ontario Enhanced Epidemiological Summary
• Measles – Diagnostic – PCR
• Measles – Serology Interim IPAC Recommendations

Contact:
Donna Stanley, RN BN CIC
Director, Health Protection
Northwestern Health Unit
dstanley@nwhu.on.ca