Toronto Public Health says that audience members could have been exposed to the measles virus at a recent concert earlier this month.

They confirm a case of measles in a person visiting the city to attend a concert at the Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place on April 1, from around 5:30 to 11:59 p.m. It’s also possible that members of the public, as well as concert attendees, have been exposed to measles. 

The public health warning explains the reason for concern. “Measles is a highly contagious virus that 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 the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.”

Anyone who believes they have been exposed to the measles virus after attending the concert, should check their medical records to ensure they were vaccinated against measles and watch for symptoms. Even if someone was vaccinated, they should still watch for symptoms of the virus until April 22.

Many events, including Stars on Ice take place around this time of year at the arena. On April 1, Christian pop musician Forrest Frank performed for part two of the Child of God tour, along with Elevation Rhythm. The coliseum complex, run by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, is home to several sports teams including the Toronto Marlies, Toronto Sceptres, and soon to be home of the Toronto Tempo professional women’s basketball team. 

The venue holds about 8,000 thousand people for concerts.

Other possible exposures happened on March 1 at a pizzeria, on two separate VIA Rail trains travelling between London, Ontario and Toronto and at Fantasy Fair at Woodbine Mall on March 31. The 21-day watch period for symptoms has passed for the first series of exposures but the Woodbine Mall watch period is still in effect until April 22.

by Cherryl Bird – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
X @ladycbird | Instagram @cherrylbird