TORONTO – Public health officials in Toronto are investigating a lab-confirmed case of measles in an adult who acquired the disease in another country.
Toronto Public Health says in a statement that it’s following up with all known contacts who may have been exposed to the virus.
It says the public may have been exposed at the Vaughan Mills shopping mall in Vaughan, Ont., between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. on March 20.
Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed is encouraged to check their immunization records and watch for symptoms, including a high fever, sore eyes and sensitivity to light.
This is the second time this month the agency has issued a public warning about a measles case.
On March 5, the city’s associate medical officer of health said an unvaccinated infant under 12 months of age had been exposed to the virus during a trip abroad.
On Friday, the city’s medical officer of health urged anyone who may have been exposed to the highly contagious disease to contact their health-care provider.
“We know that measles continues to routinely circulate in communities. As a result, we know that now is a good time to remind residents to check their immunization status as many people have recently travelled abroad for March Break vacations,” Dr. Eileen de Villa said in a statement.
According to the city’s website, measles, also called red measles or rubella, can still be on surfaces and in the air up to two hours after an infected person is gone from a room.
“Measles is rare in Canada due to high vaccination rates, but outbreaks do occur from time to time,” the website says.