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York Region Public Health investigating a confirmed case of measles

February 28, 2025

Newmarket – York Region Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of measles linked to international travel.

If you were on the following flight or were present at these locations, you may have been exposed to measles:

  1. Korean Air: Flight KE 073: Departed Seoul, South Korea, on February 22, 2025, at 10:28 a.m. KST. Landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 3, at 9:35 a.m. EST.
  2. Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 3 from 9:35 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST.
  3. Southlake Health: Located at 596 Davis Drive in the Town of Newmarket
    • Emergency Department: February 24, 2025, from 10:45 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. 
    • Pediatric Unit: February 25, 2025, from 8:25 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST.  

York Region Public Health is following up directly with anyone who was at Southlake’s Emergency Department or Pediatric Unit.  

If you were present at the above dates, times and locations AND if ANY of the following apply:

  • You were with an infant under 12 months of age
  • You are pregnant
  • You have a weakened immune system

Please call York Region Public Health immediately at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 77280, seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or at 905-953-6478 outside of these times as you may be eligible for preventive treatment.

York Region Public Health advises anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus to do the following: 

  • Confirm you and your family members have two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV); those born before 1970 would likely have had measles illness as a child and are protected; immunizations are one of the safest ways to protect you, your children and your community from serious and potentially deadly vaccine-preventable diseases
  • If you develop symptoms, stay home and do not attend work or school; call your health care professional before going to be seen to inform them that you may have measles and require additional precautions; you may also call York Region Public Health at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 77280, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 905-953-6478 outside of these times

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads very easily through airborne transmission. The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Infants under one year of age, pregnant individuals and those who have a weakened immune system are at increased risk of severe complications, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and death.

Symptoms of measles start 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include: 

  • High fever, cough, runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes (i.e., pink eye or conjunctivitis)
  • Red rash that typically starts on the head and neck that then spreads downward to the chest, arms and legs; the rash typically appears 3 to 7 days after the start of the other symptoms and is not itchy 

Even individuals who are up to date with the measles vaccine should watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure (until March 18, 2025).

More information on measles can be found at york.ca/Measles

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.25 million residents and 57,000 businesses with more than 615,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices