(AGENPARL) - Roma, 4 Marzo 2026 - (AGENPARL) – Wed 04 March 2026 City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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Correction – Flight AV579 (Guatemala City to San Salvador) was on February 22. A previous version had the incorrect date.
News Release
March 4, 2026
Toronto Public Health advising Pearson International Airport travellers of potential measles exposure
Toronto Public Health (TPH) is investigating a confirmed case of measles, with members of the public possibly being exposed on the following flights and location on Sunday, February 22, 2026:
-Avianca, Flight AV579 (Guatemala City to San Salvador) on February 22
-Avianca Flight AV324 (San Salvador to Toronto) on February 22
-Toronto Pearson International Airport: Terminal 1 Arrivals on February 22 from approximately 1:40 to 4:10 p.m.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. People can become infected if they breathe contaminated air or touch an infected surface, then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. 
TPH advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus at any of the above locations to take the following actions outlined below.: 
Check vaccination record for measles protection
Measles is a vaccine preventable disease. The vaccine is typically given at 12 months of age, with a second dose given between four to six years of age. Anyone who has not received two doses of the measles vaccine or has not had measles is at risk of infection. 
People born in 1970 or later require two doses of the measles vaccine for the best protection if they have not had the virus. Anyone born before 1970 may have had a measles infection when the virus was common in Canada. 
Anyone unsure about their vaccination status can safely receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. A blood test can also be done to determine immunity. 
Monitor for symptoms until Sunday, March 15, 2026
Symptoms can include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, a red rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body and small blue-white spots (Koplik spots) that can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat. Stay alert for symptoms even if you have been vaccinated against measles. If symptoms develop, contact a health-care provider immediately.  
Call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital to allow them to prepare and prevent the spread of the virus. Wear a well-fitting, medical grade mask (e.g. N95) when getting a medical assessment.  
School-aged children can catch up on routine vaccinations through an appointment with their primary health-care provider or at a TPH community clinic. Book an appointment at tphbookings.ca. The vaccine is free for eligible adults through primary care and some walk-in clinics. 
More information about measles is available at toronto.ca/measles.