Possible exposure to measles during flight from Montreal to Fredericton

A case of measles has been confirmed in New Brunswick and a flight from Montreal to Fredericton is being considered a possible source of infection.

The Office of the Chief Medical Officer is warning of possible exposure to a case of this contagious respiratory illness in the Moncton region in a person who recently travelled abroad.

Public health officials say there may have been exposure to measles aboard Air Canada Flight 1550 from Montreal to Fredericton on July 20, and also at both cities’ international airports.

Exposure may also have occurred at a hospital in Ste-Anne-de-Kent, New Brunswick, north of Moncton, between the late afternoon of July 22 and early morning of the next day.

Dr. Rita Gad, regional medical officer of health, says anyone in these locations on those days should remain alert for symptoms.

Early symptoms may include fever, cough, sore or red eyes, runny nose, and small white spots in the mouth. A rash may appear on the face within three to seven days.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 26, 2024.