In the event you travelled via Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this month, you would possibly need to examine your vaccination information. Toronto Public Well being is warning travellers a couple of possible measles exposure linked to an international flight that landed simply earlier than March break.
Officers say that passengers on Air Canada Flight AC 002 from Tokyo to Toronto on Sunday, March 2, or anybody who was in Terminal 1 between 4:50 p.m. and seven:40 p.m. that day, could have been uncovered to the extremely contagious virus.
In a press launch shared with Narcity on Wednesday, March 12, Toronto Public Well being described measles as a “extremely contagious virus that spreads via the air when an contaminated individual breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks.”
The discover defined that the virus can linger within the air or on surfaces for as much as two hours, that means that even in the event you weren’t in direct contact with somebody sick, you possibly can nonetheless be in danger.
Toronto Public Well being is advising anybody who was at Pearson throughout that point to examine their vaccination information and monitor for signs till Sunday, March 23.
Symptoms of measles can take as much as 21 days to look and sometimes begin with fever, cough, runny nostril, and pink, watery eyes. A pink rash usually follows, starting on the face and spreading down the physique. Small blue-white spots, often known as Koplik spots, might also seem contained in the mouth and throat.
If signs develop, officials recommend calling a healthcare supplier earlier than visiting a clinic or hospital to assist forestall spreading the virus to others. Anybody searching for medical consideration ought to put on a well-fitting, medical-grade masks, corresponding to an N95.
The Authorities of Canada says most individuals get well from measles inside two or three weeks. Nonetheless, measles may cause severe problems, together with pneumonia, mind swelling, listening to loss, and, in uncommon instances, dying. Pregnant individuals face extra dangers, together with untimely supply and miscarriage.
Whereas instances in Canada stay comparatively low, worldwide journey continues to pose a threat for publicity.
Toronto Public Well being explains that measles is preventable with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is often given in two doses — one at 12 months outdated and a second between the ages of 4 and 6. Folks born in 1970 or later want each doses for full safety. These born earlier than then could have pure immunity as a consequence of earlier publicity when measles was extra widespread in Canada.
Anybody uncertain about their vaccination standing can safely obtain the MMR vaccine or request a blood check to examine for immunity. The vaccine is free for eligible adults and is offered via major healthcare suppliers and a few walk-in clinics.
With March Break travel now in full swing for Canadians, now’s the time to examine your vaccination information and take steps to guard your self and people round you.
Keep secure, travellers!
This text’s cowl picture was used for illustrative functions solely.
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