Toronto Public Health (TPH) is investigating four lab-confirmed cases of measles, involving two children under 2 years of age and two adults from different families. At this point in the investigation, no source case has yet been identified and there are no known links or contact between the cases. Toronto Public Health continues its investigation, including following up with known contacts and individuals who may have been exposed.
Image/CDC
While Toronto Public Health believes that the risk to the general public is low, it is important that the public know measles is circulating in Toronto and the following measures are recommended:
• Check your immunization record to make sure you and family members are up to date with the measles vaccination (MMR or MMRV). If you are unsure, please check with your health care provider. Those born before 1970 are considered protected against measles.
• If you are travelling, ensure your immunizations are up to date before you leave, including family members travelling with you. This is very important if you are planning to travel to the United States, which is currently experiencing outbreaks of measles in several states.
• Watch for symptoms of measles. These include a high fever, cold-like symptoms (cough/runny nose), sore eyes or sensitivity to light and a red rash lasting four to seven days.
Infants under one year of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems can get very ill with measles. Those showing symptoms should call their health care provider. Do not go to any medical office or facility without telling them before the appointment that you think that you may have measles. For further information on measles, visit http://www.toronto.ca/health
The latest data from Canadian health authorities prior to this outbreak was 0 cases of measles and 0 cases of rubella for 2015 as of Jan. 17.
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