Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Health officials are warning of potential measles exposure after two confirmed cases were identified aboard a Flair Airlines flight arriving from Mexico on March 29. The flight, designated F82431, departed from Puerto Vallarta and landed at the Region of Waterloo International Airport.
Exposure Details and At-Risk Groups
According to Region of Waterloo Public Health, anyone on the flight—or who was in the airport’s main terminal between 8:20 p.m. on March 29 and 1:00 a.m. on March 30—may have been exposed to the virus. The public health unit has issued a call for those potentially exposed to contact them immediately if they fall into any of the following categories:
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Pregnant women
- Anyone born after 1970 who is unvaccinated or has received only a single dose of the measles vaccine
Officials emphasized the importance of monitoring for measles symptoms, which typically manifest between seven to 12 days after exposure, though in some cases, they can take up to 21 days to appear.
Symptoms and Health Advisory
Measles typically presents with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis, characterized by red, watery eyes that may be sensitive to light. An additional sign to watch for is the appearance of white spots in the mouth. In the days following the onset of these symptoms, many patients develop a distinctive red rash that begins on the face and gradually spreads downward.
“Residents who may have been exposed should remain vigilant and contact their local health unit immediately if they develop any symptoms or if they belong to any of the higher-risk groups,” a spokesperson for Region of Waterloo Public Health stated in a Friday morning release.
Local and Provincial Impact
This incident adds to the growing number of measles cases in Ontario. Region of Waterloo Public Health has documented 14 cases locally, while Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has reported an additional four cases. On a broader scale, Ontario reported 89 new measles cases over the past week, bringing the province’s total to 661 since the outbreak began in the fall.
Health officials continue to urge anyone concerned about possible exposure to seek medical advice and to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date.
For further information or if you believe you might have been exposed, please contact your local health unit immediately.
