UMVA has learned that a case of measles linked to travel has sparked an investigation by Toronto Public Health, with multiple potential exposure sites identified in the city's west end.
The health unit has warned residents of possible exposures at several businesses, restaurants, and a gym, with the first two incidents occurring on May 7 at Lebanon Express and Fantail Cafe, both located on Roncesvalles Avenue.
On that day, individuals may have been exposed to the measles virus at Lebanon Express from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and at Fantail Cafe from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The next day, two more potential exposure sites were reported at Henderson's Brewery and Annette Community Recreation Centre Gym.
Henderson's Brewery, located at 128A Sterling Rd., was a potential exposure site from 5:30 to 9 p.m., while the Annette Community Recreation Centre Gym, at 333 Annette St., was a potential exposure site from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. A fifth possible exposure site was identified at Islington Medical Pharmacy on Monday.
Public health officials are urging anyone who may have been exposed to the measles virus at any of these locations to check their vaccination record and monitor for symptoms until 21 days past the exposure date. Those who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine or have not had measles are at risk of infection.
Symptoms of measles can include a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, a red rash on the face which spreads down the body, and small blue-white spots that can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat. The highly contagious disease spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks.
The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, and people can become infected if they breathe contaminated air or touch an infected surface, then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. If symptoms develop, public health officials advise contacting a healthcare provider immediately and taking precautions when visiting a clinic or hospital.
According to information obtained by UMVA, a total of 989 measles cases have been reported in several provinces this year, highlighting the importance of vaccination and vigilance in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease.
