The Middlesex-London Health Unit is warning travellers that they may have been exposed to measles on a flight into Toronto’s Pearson International Airport last Friday.

People arriving on Pakistan International Airlines Flight 781 from Isalamabad, Pakistan to Toronto, landing at approximately 7:00 p.m. on December 22, 2023, may have been exposed.

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).
• Two doses are recommended for anyone born after 1969.
• 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.
• Watch for signs and symptoms of measles. Symptoms of measles can appear up until 21 days after exposure, and include high fever, cold-like symptoms (cough/runny nose), sore eyes, sensitivity to light, and/or a red rash lasting four to seven days.
• 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 measles. This will allow health care staff to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infection and protect others visiting the office, clinic or hospital.
• For additional information about measles, including signs and symptoms, how it spreads, and how it can be prevented, visit www.healthunit.com/measles

Media Contact:
Rhonda Brittan, Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 226-678-4127

Spokesperson:
Dr. Alex Summers, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit