Measles infection warning issued for flight from Toronto to Edmonton

A confirmed case of measles at Edmonton International Airport has prompted a public health alert warning travelers about the potential risk of the highly contagious infection.

According to an alert issued by Alberta Health Services last week, the period of exposure was during the period of a Dec. 2 flight that departed Toronto Pearson Airport at 2:50 p.m., and arrived at Edmonton International Airport at 7:10 p.m.

Anyone traveling on Air Canada Flight 171 could be exposed to measles and be at risk for contracting the disease.

A secondary exposure site was also reported at the airport. Officials said anyone who was in the baggage claim area at Edmonton International Airport between 7:10 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on Dec. 2 is also at risk.

Anyone who was in these locations at this time, who was born in or after 1970, and who has had fewer than two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine or who has never had measles, should take extra precautions.

People who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms and are strongly encouraged to review their vaccination records.

If symptoms develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting any health facility, including a family doctor clinic or pharmacy.

Measles is a highly contagious disease and its virus spreads easily through the air.

Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes; and a rash that appears three to seven days after the fever begins, usually starting behind the ears and on the face and then spreading down the body to the arms and legs.

Complications are sometimes fatal and can include pneumonia, respiratory failure, and brain swelling.

The latest confirmed case at the airport A series of such alerts The release comes after the pandemic spread across the country in recent months and a wave of new infections in Alberta.

This virus was declared eliminated in Canada in 1998. But vaccination rates have declined in Alberta across the country In recent years, there has been a revival of it.

in alberta, Total 1,985 cases The province’s North, South and Central health regions have reported the highest number of cases since March 2025.

The vaccine is available to the public in Alberta at no cost to eligible people.

For individuals who have been exposed to the infection and have not been vaccinated, one dose is recommended within 72 hours of exposure to prevent infection.

Children under 1 year of age and those with severely weakened immune systems may be able to receive immunoglobulin within 6 days of exposure to prevent disease.