Possible measles exposure in Brampton, Mississauga, Peel public health warns

Public health officials in Peel are warning of possible measles exposure in Brampton and Mississauga after a child fell ill shortly after arriving in Canada on New Year's Day.

The child, who is still considered a "possible" case, arrived in Canada on Emirates Airline flight EK0605, which originated in Karachi and connected in Dubai before landing at Terminal One at Pearson International Airport on January 1.

Residents are being warned that if they were on that flight, at Terminal One on Jan. 1 between 3:25 p.m. and 7:25 p.m., or at three other public places in the following days, they may have been exposed to the virus. Those other locations are:

• Jan. 3: Multi-Speciality Walk In Clinic at 21 Queensway West in Mississauga between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.
• Jan. 5: Brampton Urgent Care Clinic, Springdale Square, Unit 8, 51 Mountainash Rd., between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
• Jan. 5: Brampton Civic Hospital Emergency Department, 2100 Bovaird Drive East, Brampton, 8:45 p.m., to 3:45 a.m. on Jan. 6.

Anyone who was in these locations at the specified times should check their immunization records to ensure all adults and children in the family have had two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV). Two doses are recommended for anyone born after 1969.

Be on alert for symptoms of measles until 21 days after the possible exposure. Symptoms include a high fever, cold-like symptoms such as a cough and runny nose, sore eyes or sensitivity to light, small spots with a white centre on the inside of the mouth, and a red rash that persists for four to seven days.

Anyone with symptoms should call their doctor, reveal their possible exposure and describe their symptoms. Do not go to a medical facility if you're exhibiting symptoms without mentioning the possible contact with a measles patient.

For more information, contact Peel Public Health.