Tourist spreads measles in Montreal following visit in early May
Alert! Measles Alert in Montreal: Here's What You Need to Know
Montreal health authorities are on high alert as a tourist visited the city between May 4 and May 7 while contagious with measles. This individual had various public outings during that period, potentially exposing many people.
Possible Exposure Sites
The contagious individual stayed at the Quality Inn Dorval from May 4 to May 6 and visited Résidence Chateau Pierrefonds every day of their stay. They also stopped by the Non Solo Pane Bakery on May 4 and May 7.
On May 5, they dropped by Subway at Galleries Kirkland on Saint-Charles Boulevard before heading to the Saint-Henri neighborhood. There, they had a drink at Bar Messorem and enjoyed a meal at Tacos Frida.
A significant exposure event occurred on May 7, involving a measles case on a flight from Turkey to Montreal (TK35). People on this flight and those in the airport's arrivals, customs, and baggage areas between 5:37 p.m. and 9 p.m. could have been exposed to measles.
For more encompassing information on exposure sites in Quebec, including those outside Montreal, visit www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z (3).
Symptoms and Precautions
If you were exposed to measles and are not vaccinated, isolate yourself from the 5th to the 14th day after exposure and observe symptoms, which include fever, nasal congestion, cough, runny red eyes, sensitivity to light, and general weakness. Rashes will follow on the face and body. Protect yourself by wearing a mask and avoiding public transit.
Those at risk of complications and parents who have been to a possible exposure site should contact Info-Santé 811 as soon as possible to discuss preventive treatment, such as an injection of antibodies. When seeking medical attention, it’s essential to contact your service provider beforehand.
Vaccination Schedules and Information
Quebec vaccinates children at 12 and 18 months. Vaccination is offered for free to those born after 1970 who have never been vaccinated against measles or have not had the disease. Appointments can be made through Clic Santé or by calling 1 877 644-4545.
Those born before 1970 are believed to be protected against measles. Know that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles complications, which can impact infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. A province-wide measles outbreak was declared in December but came to an end on April 22, 2023, after over a month without new cases.
- The recent measles alert in Montreal has brought attention to the importance of health-and-wellness, especially fitness-and-exercise and mental-health, as maintaining a strong immune system can help individuals fight off diseases like measles.
- In this political climate, the handling and communication of public health crises, such as the ongoing measles alert, can raise questions about government responsibilities and accountability in providing adequate health care and resources.
- General-news coverage on the measles alert in Montreal has highlighted the role of science in understanding infectious diseases, including their transmission patterns and potential treatments, to better protect public health.
