Two cases of measles have been reported on two flights from Europe that landed at Pierre-Elliot-Trudeau Airport. Unvaccinated people on board these flights are at risk of developing this highly contagious virus.
Measles is spread through respiratory secretions, particularly through the air, and a single case can infect 16 unprotected people.
The first case of measles was confirmed on board a plane from Amsterdam that landed at Montreal airport on July 3. This was Delta Airlines flight DL9288 / KL67.
The second case was reported on board a flight from Rome that landed on July 8. This was Air Transat flight TS403.
People present at Pierre-Elliot-Trudeau airport on July 3 between 5:15 p.m. and 8 p.m., as well as those who were there on July 8 between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., may have been exposed to the virus, the Ministry of Health said in a press release.
The first symptoms of measles are fever, nasal congestion with runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis (red, runny eyes) and eyes sensitive to light. Later, redness appears on the face and then on the body.
If a person is not vaccinated and has been in contact with a case of measles, they must isolate themselves at home from the fifth day following their exposure to the 14th day inclusive. An individual is not contagious during the first four days following an exposure.
Babies under one year old, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women who have not been vaccinated against measles are at greater risk of developing complications.
Recall that in June, the Ministry of Health announced that the measles outbreak that had taken shape at the beginning of the year was officially over. In total, 51 confirmed cases have been reported in Quebec since the beginning of 2024, mostly in the Montreal region.
The Canadian Press’ health content is funded through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. Editorial choices are solely the responsibility of The Canadian Press.