Toronto Public Health Warns of Potential Measles Exposure at Multiple Locations Across the City
Toronto measles exposure warning includes restaurants, recreation centre and pharmacy locations
TORONTO — Toronto Public Health (TPH) is warning residents about possible measles exposure after confirming a travel-related case linked to several public locations across the city earlier this month.
Health officials say members of the public may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus at restaurants, recreation facilities, a brewery and a pharmacy between May 7 and May 11.
Potential Exposure Locations
According to Toronto Public Health, possible exposure sites include:
Thursday, May 7
- Lebanon Express, 327 Roncesvalles Ave., from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Fantail Café, 333 Roncesvalles Ave., from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 8
- Henderson’s Brewery, 128A Sterling Rd., from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Annette Community Recreation Centre Gym, 333 Annette St., from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday, May 11
- Islington Medical Pharmacy, 1243 Islington Ave., from 12:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.
TPH says measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes. The virus can remain airborne or survive on surfaces for up to two hours after exposure.
Residents Urged to Review Vaccination Records
Public health officials are urging anyone who may have visited the listed locations during the exposure windows to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.
Measles vaccination is typically administered through the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, with doses generally provided:
- At 12 months of age
- Between four and six years old
Toronto Public Health advises:
- Individuals born in 1970 or later should have two doses of measles vaccine for full protection if they have not previously had measles
- Those unsure of their vaccination status can safely receive the MMR vaccine
- Blood testing can also determine immunity
Symptoms and Monitoring Periods
Residents potentially exposed are advised to monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days following exposure.
Monitoring timelines include:
- Exposure on May 7: monitor until May 28
- Exposure on May 8: monitor until May 29
- Exposure on May 11: monitor until June 1
Symptoms of measles may include:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red eyes
- A red rash beginning on the face and spreading downward
- Small blue-white spots inside the mouth known as Koplik spots
TPH says anyone who develops symptoms should contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Precautions Before Visiting Clinics or Hospitals
Health officials are also advising symptomatic individuals to call ahead before visiting healthcare facilities to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Residents seeking medical care are encouraged to wear a well-fitting medical-grade mask, such as an N95 respirator, during assessment visits.
Vaccination Clinics Available
Toronto Public Health says school-aged children can catch up on routine immunizations through family healthcare providers or TPH community clinics.
Appointments can be booked online through TPHbookings.ca.
Additional measles information and vaccine guidance is available through the City of Toronto’s measles information webpage.
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