Toronto Public Health warns of possible measles exposure at Ripley's Aquarium
Person infected with measles was at downtown tourist attraction Monday, April 21
Toronto Public Health is warning residents who went to Ripley's Aquarium last week that they might have been exposed to measles.
In a news release Friday, the public health agency said a person who visited the aquarium on Monday, April 21 between 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., was infected with measles.
Residents who were there on that day should monitor for symptoms until Monday, May 12, the public health agency says.
Symptoms can include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, a red rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body and small blue-white spots that can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat.
"Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks," Toronto Public Health said in the release.
"The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. People can become infected if they breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, nose or mouth."
Ontario reported its highest weekly increase of measles this week since the outbreak began, with 223 new infections recorded in the province.
Toronto Public Health has confirmed three cases of measles in the city so far this year.
Public health officials are urging people to ensure they are vaccinated against measles, which carries the risk of serious complications.
With files from The Canadian Press