Toronto infant hospitalised with measles; officials urge vaccination amid concerns

PTC Web Desk: Toronto Public Health has reported a confirmed case of measles in an infant, prompting hospitalisation and an ongoing investigation linked to travel. Details about the case are limited, but health officials are actively treating the infant in a hospital setting. This comes in the wake of another child, who had recently travelled abroad, also being confirmed with measles earlier in the week. Both Toronto Public Health and Peel Public Health are diligently reaching out to contacts associated with these cases.

What are symptoms?

Measles, known for its high contagion, presents symptoms such as red rashes, fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and fatigue. The infection spreads through the air and close contact, with symptoms emerging between seven to 21 days after exposure. As of February 3, the Public Health Agency of Canada reports three active measles cases in the country, with 12 confirmed cases in 2023.

Toronto Public Health emphasises a decline in vaccine coverage rates, especially in school-aged children due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on vaccinations, officials stress the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing the spread of measles.

This is the second case

Toronto Public Health has confirmed the second recent case of measles in the Greater Toronto Area, with another case linked to travel discovered in Mississauga earlier this week.

Peel health officials have identified locations in Mississauga, including a Walmart on Dundas Street East, where individuals may have been exposed to measles.

Earlier in January, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit issued a warning regarding potential measles exposure at four locations, including a flight landing at Toronto Pearson Airport, a Highway 401 ONroute, and a medical center in Windsor.

The specific number of suspected cases prompting the potential exposure warning from the western Ontario health unit was not disclosed.

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