February 2, 2015 

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1HLNjBi

 

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

 

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Media contact: Lenore Bromley, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-7974, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.