Measles Exposure Warning Issued for Toronto Pearson Travellers After Child Tests Positive

By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi & Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada

November 9, 2026

Travellers who recently passed through Toronto Pearson International Airport are being urged to monitor their health after public health officials identified possible measles exposure linked to an internationally travelled child who tested positive for the highly contagious infection.

The Durham Region Health Department issued a public warning after investigating a confirmed measles case involving an unimmunised child who had recently returned from international travel.

The investigation identified three locations where members of the public may have been exposed: an Ethiopian Airlines flight travelling from Addis Ababa to Toronto, Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport and the emergency department waiting room at Lakeridge Health Ajax-Pickering Hospital.

The warning is particularly important for passengers, airport workers, families and other travellers who were present at the identified locations during the specified periods.

Health officials are advising potentially exposed individuals to check their vaccination records and remain alert for symptoms until November 24, 2026.

Ethiopian Airlines flight among identified exposure locations

According to the Durham Region Health Department, one of the identified exposure locations was Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET552, which travelled from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Toronto.

The flight departed Addis Ababa on November 2, 2026, at 11:32 p.m. East Africa Time and arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport’s Terminal 1 at approximately 7:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 3.

Passengers who travelled on the flight during this period may have been exposed to the measles virus.

Health officials have also identified a possible exposure at Terminal 1 of Toronto Pearson International Airport, located at 6301 Silver Dart Drive in Mississauga.

The exposure period at the airport was November 3, between 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

The third location was the emergency department waiting room at Lakeridge Health Ajax-Pickering Hospital, at 580 Harwood Avenue South in Ajax.

People who were in the waiting room on November 3 between 10:40 a.m. and 5 p.m. have also been advised to monitor for symptoms.

The health department said it was investigating the exposures and had already followed up directly with known contacts in Durham Region. The wider public warning was issued because other people may also have been present at the affected locations.

Public urged to monitor symptoms until November 24

Durham Region health officials are advising anyone who may have been exposed to monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days following the November 3 exposure.

The monitoring period runs until November 24, 2026.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.

The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, making it possible for others to become infected without having direct contact with the individual.

Symptoms generally develop between seven and 21 days after exposure.

They may include:

• High fever of 38.3°C or higher.
• Persistent cough.
• Runny nose.
• Red and watery eyes.
• Sensitivity to light.
• A red skin rash that can last between four and seven days.

The rash typically appears after other symptoms have begun.

Health authorities warn that measles can cause serious complications, particularly among infants, pregnant people who are not immune and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Vaccination remains the main protection

The Durham Region Health Department is encouraging potentially exposed individuals to confirm that they and their family members have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.

The vaccines commonly used in Canada include the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine.

Two documented doses provide strong protection against infection.

People born before 1970 are generally considered likely to have acquired immunity through previous measles infection because the disease was widespread before routine vaccination became established.

However, people who are uncertain about their vaccination history are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider.

For those who may have been exposed, confirming immunity is particularly important because measles can spread rapidly among people who have not been vaccinated or previously infected.

What should travellers do if they develop symptoms?

Public health officials are advising anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles after a possible exposure to stay home and avoid attending work, school or other public gatherings.

People who become unwell should contact their healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or hospital.

They should explain that they may have been exposed to measles so that healthcare workers can make appropriate arrangements and reduce the risk of exposing other patients.

Individuals seeking medical assessment are also advised to wear a well-fitting mask.

Anyone with questions about the airport exposure can contact their local public health unit or Ontario’s Health 811 service.

The advice is intended to prevent further transmission while allowing health authorities to identify and respond to additional cases.

Why the warning matters to international travellers and Canada’s diaspora communities

Toronto Pearson is a major international entry point for Canada, receiving passengers from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and other parts of the world.

The identification of an exposure aboard an international flight and inside the airport highlights how quickly infectious diseases can become a public-health concern in an interconnected travel environment.

For members of the Ghanaian community in Canada, the development is particularly relevant because Pearson serves as an important arrival and departure point for people travelling between Canada and international destinations, including African countries.

However, the warning does not mean that all passengers arriving at Pearson or everyone who travelled through the airport is at risk.

The identified exposure is limited to the specified flight, airport terminal and time periods.

Travellers who were not present at those locations during the stated hours are not included in this particular exposure notice.

The incident also highlights the importance of keeping routine vaccinations up to date, especially for families travelling internationally with children.

Health investigation continues

The Durham Region Health Department has confirmed that it is investigating the case and has contacted known individuals who may have been exposed.

The department has also published the exposure information to reach members of the public who may not have been identified through direct contact tracing.

As the monitoring period continues, health officials are encouraging people to remain vigilant and seek appropriate medical guidance if symptoms develop.

For now, the central message is clear: anyone who travelled on Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET552, visited Toronto Pearson Terminal 1 during the identified hours or was present in the Lakeridge Health Ajax-Pickering emergency waiting room on November 3 should check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms through November 24.

The warning is a precautionary public-health measure and does not mean that a wider outbreak has been confirmed at Toronto Pearson International Airport.