A measles case in suburban Montreal suggests there could be community transmission of the highly contagious virus in Quebec, health officials say.

In a notice sent to local health-care professionals on Thursday, the city91裸聊视频檚 public health agency said the case reported in Laval, Que., on Feb. 27 involved a person who had not travelled abroad, nor been in contact with another known case.

91裸聊视频淟ocal community transmission is therefore possible,91裸聊视频� the notice states.

Public health officials are now trying to reach people with whom the infected person may have had contact while still contagious. Among the public places the person visited during that time were an elementary school and convenience store in Laval, and the Sainte-Justine children91裸聊视频檚 hospital in Montreal.

The measles case is the third confirmed in Quebec in recent weeks, according to Quebec91裸聊视频檚 Health Department, which said in an emailed statement that the lack of connection to international travel in the recent infection 91裸聊视频渟uggests that the measles virus could be circulating91裸聊视频� in the province.

Montreal public health says the two other cases at the beginning of February involved a person who had travelled to Africa and a member of their family.

Those cases prompted Montreal public health director Dr. Myl猫ne Drouin to send a letter to families and local school staff on Thursday urging them to check their measles vaccination status.

91裸聊视频淭he measles has a significant presence in many countries, including in North America,91裸聊视频� the letter reads. 91裸聊视频淲ith the upcoming spring break and the resumption of travel, we must remain cautious.91裸聊视频�

Drouin91裸聊视频檚 appeal echoed a statement from Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada91裸聊视频檚 chief public health officer, last week in which she raised concern that a 91裸聊视频済lobal surge91裸聊视频� in measles activity 91裸聊视频渃ould lead to an increase in imported measles cases, potentially resulting in transmission in communities in Canada.91裸聊视频�

As of Feb. 17, the Public Health Agency of Canada had recorded six domestic measles cases this year.

Montreal public health is asking members of the public to ensure they are fully vaccinated against the virus.

Thomas MacDonald, The Canadian Press

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