Montreal public health warns of measles exposure at airport and hospital
A minor infected with measles visited Montreal-Trudeau airport and the CHU Sainte-Justine emergency room while contagious, health officials said.
Montreal public health is warning people who visited the city's airport or a major hospital emergency room this month that they may have been exposed to measles.
The regional public health department said a minor infected with measles was at Montreal-Trudeau airport on Oct. 9 and the emergency room at CHU Sainte-Justine on Oct. 10 while contagious.
Public health said the list of exposure sites could change as the investigation continues and advised people to check the updated list of Quebec exposure locations on weekdays.
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The first step for anyone who was present is to verify their vaccination status, officials said.
In Quebec, protection depends on year of birth, and a person who can prove they have already had measles, via a medical certificate or blood test, does not need to be vaccinated.
It still recommends monitoring for symptoms until the date indicated for the location visited.
It also advises isolating from the fifth day after the first exposure until the 14th day after the last exposure.
That means from Oct. 14 to 23 for those at the airport on Oct. 9, or from Oct. 15 to 24 for those at the CHU Sainte-Justine emergency room on Oct. 10.
A vaccine administered within 72 hours of exposure can prevent the disease.
Unprotected pregnant people, immunocompromised individuals and babies under one year can also receive immunoglobulins up to seven days after first contact.
If a medical consultation is needed, notify the facility before going, wear a mask and advise staff upon arrival.
Measles is highly contagious, transmitted through the air or by direct contact, and can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, loss of vision or hearing, or even death in rare cases.
There is no specific treatment, but vaccination remains very effective in preventing it.
With files from Narcity
Amara Okafor covers health, medical research and public health in Canada for Novello Desserts.