Montreal Measles Exposure Warning: Isolation Guidance Begins for Some Airport Travellers
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Montreal public health officials are urging people who passed through specific areas of Montréal–Trudeau International Airport or visited Sainte-Justine Children's Hospital last weekend to check their measles immunity. A confirmed case involving a child prompted the October 12 alert, with precautionary isolation beginning October 14 for some potentially exposed, unprotected individuals.
The child travelled through the airport's international arrivals area on Friday, October 9, while infectious. The potential exposure period runs from 6:26 p.m. to 9:56 p.m. and includes passport control, baggage collection and the exit route. A second exposure window covers the Sainte-Justine emergency department on Saturday, October 10, between 6 a.m. and 11:52 a.m.
People who are not adequately protected should call Quebec's Info-Santé service at 811 promptly. Preventive treatment may be available for certain high-risk individuals, including infants, pregnant people without immunity and those with weakened immune systems. «
The authority recommends home isolation from October 14 to 23 for unprotected people exposed at the airport, and October 15 to 24 for those exposed at the hospital. Everyone potentially exposed should monitor for symptoms through October 30 or 31, depending on the location.
Measles can spread through the air and may cause serious complications. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose and a spreading rash. Anyone who suspects an infection should stay home, call 811 and telephone ahead before visiting a healthcare facility. Measles vaccination is available free of charge in Quebec, including to people without a provincial health insurance card.
