Travellers on Turkish Airlines Flight TK17 from Istanbul to Toronto or those passing through Terminal 1 at Pearson International Airport on Wednesday may have been exposed to the measles virus, Toronto Public Health (TPH) has warned.
TPH is investigating a case of measles linked to a passenger on Flight TK17, which landed at Pearson Airport at 5:30 p.m. on January 22, 2025. The public health unit is urging anyone who may have been exposed to check their vaccination records and monitor for symptoms until February 12.
Individuals born in 1970 or later require two doses of the measles vaccine for full protection if they have not had the disease, while those born before 1970 may have natural immunity due to the virus being widespread during that time.
Measles is highly contagious and can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Infection can occur through breathing contaminated air or touching infected surfaces, followed by contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Seyed Mohammad Emaminejad, a passenger on Turkish Airlines Flight TK17, expressed frustration with the lack of notification from the airline about the potential exposure. Emaminejad, who flew to Toronto from Istanbul to visit friends, learned about the situation from local news reports days after arriving.
“We are not part of the Canadian community and don’t typically follow Canadian news,” said Emaminejad. “Airlines know how to contact their customers and should inform them of health risks.”
By the time he became aware of the exposure, Emaminejad had already visited several friends, though he confirmed that both he and his friends are vaccinated. He has since informed them of the potential risk and is monitoring for symptoms while masking around unvaccinated individuals.
Emaminejad also visited a Toronto doctor for a checkup as a precaution.
TPH emphasizes the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles and is encouraging those who may have been exposed to consult their healthcare providers. CBC Toronto has reached out to Turkish Airlines and TPH for comment.