Measles case detected in Montreal after contagious tourist visited early May

A dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination is shown at a vaccine clinic at Southwestern Public Health in St. Thomas, Ont., on March 4. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Geoff Robins

Montreal public health is warning of possible exposure to measles in the city between May 4 and 7. It was confirmed that a tourist was contagious while visiting the city during that time.

The person would have stayed at the Quality Inn Dorval on May 4, 5 and 6 and visited the private seniors’ home Résidence Chateau Pierrefonds all four days of their stay.

They also went to the Non Solo Pane Bakery on May 4 and May 7.

On May 5, they ate at the Subway at Galleries Kirkland on Saint-Charles Boulevard before heading to the Saint-Henri neighbourhood, where they had a drink at Bar Messorem and ate at Tacos Frida.

Quebec public health warned that someone on a Montreal-bound flight from Turkey (TK35) was confirmed to have measles. Those on that flight and those in the airport’s arrivals, customs and baggage claims areas between 5:37 p.m. and 9 p.m. on May 7 could have been exposed to the illness.

A detailed breakdown of exposure sites and the time of possible exposure can be found on Montreal and Quebec’s public health websites.

Anyone exposed to measles and is not vaccinated against the highly contagious disease is urged to isolate from the fifth to 14th day after exposure and monitor their symptoms, which include a fever, nasal congestion with a runny nose, cough, runny red eyes, sensitivity to light and general malaise. This is followed by rashes on the face and body.

It’s also recommended to wear a mask and avoid using public transit.

A province-wide measles outbreak was declared in December and came to an end on April 22 after no new cases had been reported for over a month.

Those who have been vaccinated against the respiratory infection are unlikely to contract it. The Quebec Health Ministry says vaccination is the best way to prevent measles.

Measles can cause complications in infants, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems.

Those at risk of complications and parents who have been to a possible exposure site are encouraged to contact Info-Santé 811 as soon as possible to have the need for preventive treatment, like an injection of antibodies, assessed as soon as possible.

When getting a medical consultation, it’s strongly recommended to contact the medical service provider beforehand.

In Quebec, children receive the measles vaccine at 12 and 18 months. Vaccination is offered free of charge to anyone born after 1970 who has never been vaccinated against measles or who has never had the disease. Vaccination appointments can be made through Clic Santé or by calling 1 877 644-4545.

People born before 1970 are considered to be protected against measles.