Toronto Public Health has issued a warning about potential measles exposures in the city's west end after investigating a travel-related case. The health unit announced on Friday that individuals may have been exposed at multiple locations earlier this month, including businesses, restaurants, and a gym.
Exposure Sites and Times
On May 7, two exposures occurred at Lebanon Express, located at 327 Roncesvalles Ave., from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and at Fantail Cafe, at 333 Roncesvalles Ave., from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The following day, two more potential exposures were identified at Henderson's Brewery, 128A Sterling Rd., from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and at Annette Community Recreation Centre Gym, 333 Annette St., from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Monday, a fifth possible exposure site was added: Islington Medical Pharmacy, 1243 Islington Ave., from 12:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Health Advisory and Precautions
Public health officials advise anyone who may have been exposed to check their vaccination records and monitor for symptoms up to 21 days after the exposure date. Individuals who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine or have not had measles are at risk of infection, the health unit stated. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, a red rash that starts on the face and spreads downward, and small blue-white spots inside the mouth and throat.
Measles Cases in Canada
According to federal data, as of May 2, a total of 989 measles cases—913 confirmed and 76 probable—have been reported this year in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease 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. People can become infected by breathing contaminated air or touching infected surfaces and then their eyes, nose, or mouth.
If symptoms develop, residents are urged to contact a healthcare provider immediately and take precautions when visiting clinics or hospitals to prevent further spread.
