THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) has confirmed a laboratory-positive case of measles in the region. The infected individual contracted the virus during international travel and is now recovering at home.
At this time, the risk to the general public is considered low, but public health officials are actively investigating and conducting contact tracing — with special attention to individuals at higher risk of complications from measles.
Potential Exposure Alert: Air Travel and Airport Terminal
The TBDHU is advising residents of potential exposure to the measles virus during the following times and locations:
Sunday, May 4, 2025:
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Air Canada Flight AC1195
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Route: Toronto to Thunder Bay
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Time: 9:40 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
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Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT)
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Terminal building exposure window: 11:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
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Follow-up is underway for additional potential exposure sites, including health care settings. TBDHU will release updates to the public as necessary.
What is Measles and How can it Impact Health?
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus, which spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes. It primarily affects the respiratory system, but it can also lead to serious complications that impact multiple organs, especially in young children, unvaccinated individuals, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.
🦠 How Measles Spreads
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Airborne transmission: The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person has left the area.
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Highly infectious: Up to 9 out of 10 people who are not immune will become infected if exposed.
🚨 Symptoms of Measles
Symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after exposure and may include:
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High fever (often 39°C / 102°F or higher)
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Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
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Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth)
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Red blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward (usually 3–5 days after symptoms begin)
⚠️ Complications and Health Risks
While many recover fully, measles can lead to serious and sometimes fatal complications, especially in children under 5 and adults over 20:
Common complications:
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Ear infections (can lead to hearing loss)
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Diarrhea
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Pneumonia – the leading cause of measles-related deaths
Severe complications:
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Encephalitis – brain inflammation that can cause seizures, deafness, or permanent brain damage
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Hospitalization – 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles are hospitalized
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Death – occurs in about 1 to 3 of every 1,000 measles cases in developed countries
Pregnancy risks:
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Miscarriage
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Premature birth
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Low birth weight
Check Your Vaccination Status
TBDHU urges all residents to review their measles vaccination history, especially if they may have been present during the exposure window:
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Born before 1970? You are generally considered immune due to widespread natural exposure during that time.
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Born in 1970 or later? You need two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine (e.g., MMR) to be considered protected.
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Uncertain of your status? Contact your health care provider by phone or email for assistance.
Monitor for Symptoms Until May 25, 2025
Even those who are vaccinated should monitor for symptoms, which may appear 7 to 21 days after exposure:
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Early symptoms: Fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes
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Classic signs:
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White spots inside the mouth
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Red blotchy rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body
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If symptoms appear:
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Stay home and limit contact with others
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Call ahead before visiting a health care provider or clinic
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Get tested promptly to confirm diagnosis
Measles: Highly Contagious, But Highly Preventable
Measles spreads easily through airborne particles and droplets, often before symptoms even appear. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) offers strong, long-lasting protection — even if it was received years ago.
TBDHU is reminding families that routine childhood vaccinations are the best defense, with doses typically administered at 12 months and again between ages 4-6.
Free Measles Vaccination Available
School-aged children and others needing to catch up on routine immunizations are eligible for free measles vaccination through:
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Your primary health care provider
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TBDHU community vaccination clinics — appointments can be booked online at www.tbdhu.com/vaxclinics
For full information on symptoms, vaccine guidance, and case updates, visit the TBDHU measles webpage:
www.tbdhu.com/measles
