The gleaming terminals of Toronto Pearson International Airport hum with activity as summer travel season reaches its peak. Yet beneath the routine chaos of departures and arrivals, a different kind of concern has emerged. Recent measles exposures at major Canadian airports have reignited conversations about public health risks in these high-traffic transit hubs.
“We’re seeing a perfect storm of factors,” explains Dr. Amira Patel, infectious disease specialist at McGill University Health Centre. “Lower vaccination rates post-pandemic, increased international travel, and the extraordinarily contagious nature of the measles virus have created vulnerability in what were previously well-protected populations.”
Since January 2025, Canada has recorded 87 confirmed measles cases—a significant jump from the 12 cases reported throughout all of 2023. The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued alerts for potential exposures at airports in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary, raising questions about the safety of air travel during this resurgence.
Measles spreads through airborne transmission, making airports particularly conducive environments for transmission. The virus can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area, creating an invisible threat in bustling terminals where thousands pass through daily.
“What makes airport exposures particularly concerning is the combination of international travelers from regions with varying vaccination requirements, along with the sheer volume of people in enclosed spaces,” notes epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Wong of the University of British Columbia.
For travelers wondering about their personal risk, vaccination status remains the critical factor. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide approximately 97% protection against infection. However, health officials caution that even vaccinated individuals should be vigilant about potential symptoms following known exposures.
The resurgence has prompted Canadian health authorities to strengthen monitoring at points of entry. Enhanced screening measures have been implemented at major international airports, though officials acknowledge the limitations of such efforts against a disease that can spread before symptoms appear.
“We’re balancing public health concerns with the reality that we can’t completely halt international movement,” says Sophia Rodriguez, spokesperson for the Canadian Transportation Agency. “The focus remains on identifying cases quickly, contact tracing, and ensuring travelers have accurate information about their risks and responsibilities.”
For concerned travelers, health experts recommend reviewing vaccination records before trips, particularly when traveling with children or immunocompromised individuals. Those born before 1970 likely have natural immunity from childhood exposure, but those born after should confirm they’ve received both recommended doses.
The airport authority at Vancouver International has implemented additional sanitization protocols and improved ventilation systems in response to the outbreaks. “We’re taking every reasonable precaution while recognizing that the primary defense against measles is vaccination,” explains airport spokesperson Michael Chen.
The economic implications of these outbreaks extend beyond individual health concerns. Tourism industry analysts note that continued outbreaks could potentially impact Canada’s summer travel season if international visitors begin reconsidering their destinations based on public health concerns.
Dr. Eliza Montgomery, public health advisor with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, emphasizes that this situation highlights the interconnected nature of global health. “What happens in one part of the world inevitably affects others. The measles resurgence we’re seeing isn’t just a Canadian problem—it’s a reminder that infectious diseases don’t respect borders.”
As Canadian health officials continue monitoring the situation, the most pressing question remains: have we grown complacent about vaccination in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, and what will it take to restore the high immunization rates that once kept measles at bay in Canada?
