Travel-related case of measles investigated

TORONTO PUBLIC HEALTH

Toronto Public Health said Wednesday it is investigating a case of lab-confirmed, travel-related 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,” the health agency said.

It also said it is following up with individuals in Toronto who may have been exposed to the measles virus. The public health agency listed various locations on their website, listing places, times and dates where the public may have been exposed to the virus.

These include:

■ 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.

■ April 20: Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St.: blood collection/diagnostic test centre and preadmission 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.

■ April 21: Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St.: blood collection/diagnostic test centre and preadmission clinic waiting room, between 11:35 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

What to do if you’ve been exposed

“Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily to those who are susceptible. 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,” TPH said.

The health agency is advising anyone who may have been exposed to the virus to take several precautions:

■ Check your immunization record to ensure you and your family have had two doses of measles vaccines (MMR or MMRV) or check with your doctor. The vaccines were recommended for those born after 1969, since people born before 1970 are considered protected against the virus.

■ Monitor for symptoms including high fever, coughing, runny nose, red eyes or sensitivity to light and a red rash lasting four to seven days.

■ Contact a health care provider if symptoms are detected and avoid going to work or school. Individuals exhibiting symptoms should let their health-care provider know before seeing them that they may have been in contact with measles.

■ Babies under one year of age, pregnant people and those with weak immune systems can be hit hardest by measles. Anyone who falls under these categories who may have been exposed at one of the locations is urged to contact TPH.