Health officials in Toronto have issued a public warning regarding potential measles exposure at several healthcare facilities in the Scarborough area. The alert follows a confirmed travel-related case of measles, with possible exposure occurring at the following locations and times:
- **Sunday, June 28**: Scarborough Health Network General Hospital Emergency Room waiting room, 3050 Lawrence Ave. E, Scarborough, ON M1P 2V5, from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- **Monday, June 29**: Markington Family Care and Walk-in Clinic, 3227 Eglinton Ave. E, Unit 143 to 144, Scarborough, ON M1J 2H6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- **Tuesday, June 30**: Scarborough Health Network General Hospital Kids Out-patient Clinic, 3050 Lawrence Ave. E, Scarborough, ON M1P 2V5, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has confirmed that the measles cases are linked to international travel. Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area.
Individuals who were present at these locations during the specified times are advised to monitor for symptoms until July 21. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. If symptoms develop, individuals should seek medical care immediately and inform healthcare providers of their potential exposure to measles.
Parents or guardians of infants under one year of age who may have been exposed are urged to contact Toronto Public Health or call 311 immediately, as eligible infants may be able to receive immunoglobulin treatment to help prevent infection.
Measles is preventable through vaccination. Individuals who have not been vaccinated or have not had a previous measles infection are at risk of contracting the disease. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is available for adults and children at doctors’ offices or at TPH community clinics for school-aged children.
Toronto Public Health has confirmed five travel-related measles cases so far this year. The agency continues to monitor the situation and urges residents to ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations to prevent further spread of the virus.
For more information on measles and vaccination, residents can visit the City of Toronto's official website or contact Toronto Public Health directly.
