Health Department investigating confirmed case of measles in Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario - Durham Region Health Department has received confirmation of a case of measles in a local adult who acquired the illness during recent travel abroad. The individual is currently isolated at home.

Currently, the Health Department is investigating and following up directly with known contacts in Durham Region who may have been exposed to the measles virus through this individual and has also followed up with other appropriate jurisdictions regarding possible exposures outside of Durham Region.

The Health Department’s investigation has determined that members of the public at the following locations may have been exposed to the measles virus:

• Royal Jordanian Airlines RJ271 - departed from Jordan on March 28, 2024, at 10:43 a.m. (local time in Jordan) and landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on March 28, 2024, at 5:24 p.m. (EST).
• Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 3 - March 28, 2024, between 5:24 and 8:45 p.m.

Currently, the Health Department is not aware of any additional exposure locations in Durham Region.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily to those who are not immunized or have not previously had measles. Infants under one year of age, unimmunized pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications. All Ontarians are eligible for two publicly funded doses of the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV) based on the individual’s health care provider’s clinical judgment and the needs of the patient.

Measles symptoms may begin from seven to 21 days after exposure to the measles virus. Symptoms may include:

• High fever (greater than or equal to 38.3 C)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Feeling tired
• Red and watery eyes (conjunctivitis, i.e., pink eye), sensitivity to light
• Small white spots (Koplik spots) on the inside of the mouth and throat
• Red rash appears – typically begins on the head and spreads down the body to the arms and legs; the rash disappears in the same order of appearance (head to foot) in about four to seven days

If you are concerned you have been exposed to someone with measles:

• Ensure you are up to date with your measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Those who are unsure are asked to check with their health care provider. Two doses are generally recommended for anyone born after 1969. In general, those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.
• Monitor for symptoms of measles (even if you are up to date with measles vaccinations).

If you develop symptoms:

• Stay home and do not attend work, school, child care or other public places.
• Contact your health care provider as soon as possible to discuss follow up recommendations.
• Call your health care provider before going to see them to inform them that you may have been in contact with someone who has measles.
• If you do not have a health care provider or need help accessing a health care provider, contact Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729 to speak with a public health nurse.
• If you reside outside of Durham Region, please contact your local public health unit.

All members of the public should check their immunization record to confirm they and their family members are up to date with their measles vaccinations (MMR or MMRV). Individuals who are unsure of their vaccination status are asked to check with their health care provider. For more information about measles or measles vaccination, visit durham.ca/measles.

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For more information, please contact the Health Department.