Toronto Public Health warns of potential measles exposure in west end

Disease spreads through the air and is highly contagious

Published May 15, 2026  •  Last updated 5 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

Skin covered with a measles rash. Photo by Natalya Maisheva /Getty Images

Toronto Public Health said it is investigating a case of measles related to travel and warns residents of potential exposures in the city’s west end.

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The health unit said Friday that the public may have been exposed earlier this month at businesses, restaurants and a gym.

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On May 7, two exposures occurred at Lebanon Express, located at 327 Roncesvalles Ave., from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and at Fantail Cafe, up the street at 333 Roncesvalles Ave., from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The next day, two more potential measles exposures occurred at Henderson’s Brewery, located at 128A Sterling Rd., from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and at Annette Community Recreation Centre Gym, at 333 Annette St., from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Then, on Monday, a possible fifth exposure site happened at Islington Medical Pharmacy, located at 1243 Islington Ave., from 12:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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Check vaccination and monitor for symptoms

Public health officials said anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus at any of the locations is advised to check their vaccination record and monitor for symptoms until 21 days past the exposure date.

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“Anyone who has not received two doses of the measles vaccine or has not had measles is at risk of infection,” pubic health said.

Symptoms can include a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, a red rash on the face which spreads down the body, and small blue-white spots that can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat.

According to figures from the federal government, a total of 989 measles cases– 913 confirmed and 76 probable – have been reported this year in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan as of May 2.

Highly contagious disease

Measles, which is a vaccine-preventable disease, is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.

People can become infected if they breathe contaminated air or touch an infected surface, then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

The health unit said, if symptoms develop, to contact a health-care provider immediately and take precautions when visiting a clinic or hospital.

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