The True Post (Web News)Public health officials warned Monday that there has been a possible measles outbreak at Toronto’s international airport, urging immediate medical attention and vaccination for those who were on certain flights or in the terminal during the outbreak.
Officials say a confirmed measles patient stayed at the airport during the trip, and other travelers are at risk of potentially being exposed to the virus.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is usually spread through the air. The virus enters the body through the nose, mouth or throat and spreads throughout the body.
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a red rash. Symptoms usually appear 7 to 21 days after exposure.
Toronto Public Health has issued the following instructions to those at the airport during the affected times: If you are not fully vaccinated against measles, monitor your health for 21 days. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop any symptoms, and notify the hospital before going to the hospital that you may have been exposed to measles. Get your MMR vaccination check — especially if you were born after 1970.
According to experts, the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) is given in two doses and is up to 97% effective. The vaccine not only protects the individual but also prevents the spread of the disease in the community.
