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Toronto Public Health (TPH) is advising the public about four “lab-confirmed” cases of measles in the city.
Those infected include two children under two and two adults from different families.
Three were not vaccinated. One had a single dose of the MMR vaccine.
“At this point in the investigation, no source case has yet been identified and there are no known links or contact between the cases,” a statement said.
Public Health spokesman Lenore Bromley said the agency is “actively looking” for a source of infection and has so far followed up with more than 400 individuals who may have been exposed to those diagnosed with measles.
Officials are also recommending city residents ensure their immunizations are up to date. Those born before 1970 are considered protected from measles, the agency said.
It is “very important” to make sure immunizations are up to date before travelling to the United States in particular, the agency added. Several states south of the border are experiencing an outbreak of measles.
Symptoms include a runny nose, high fever, a red rash, sore eyes, light sensitivity, and coughing.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recently noted that the Americas — including Canada — have experienced outbreaks “when the virus has been imported from other regions.”
Most people recover in two or three weeks but children are particularly vulnerable, according to the federal agency. The disease can sometimes cause severe complications, including brain swelling, hearing loss, and seizures. There is no cure.
Caused by a virus, the measles can be contracted through air, direct contact, or through common or shared surfaces that have been exposed to infectious bodily fluids.
Agencies/Canadajournal
