Measles cases in New Brunswick more than double in three days
A measles outbreak declared in New Brunswick’s Zone 3, which includes Fredericton and the upper Saint John River Valley, has more than doubled since last week.
In an email to CTV News Atlantic on Monday, a spokesperson for the Department of Health said since Thursday, Public Health has confirmed seven more cases, bringing the total to 12.
Public Health says it is monitoring the situation closely and working with health-care partners to decrease the risk.
New Brunswick’s chief medical officer of health warned the public about a confirmed case of measles in the Fredericton and Carleton County areas on Oct. 24, followed by two subsequent cases.
On Thursday, the province confirmed an additional two cases.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease.
Vaccinations
Horizon Health Network continues to host measles vaccine clinics in Zone 3.
A vaccine clinic will be held at the Western Valley Multiplex in the Centreville district of Carleton North on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m. There will also be a clinic at the Stanley Health Centre in Stanley on Friday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Public Health is encouraging people to book an appointment through the provincial scheduler or by calling Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424, available Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) is for babies aged 12-to-18 months.
While people born before 1970 are generally considered to be protected from measles, Public Health says people born later who have not received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine should get vaccinated.
According to Dr. Mark McKelvie, the province’s regional medical officer of health, the measles vaccine has been in use for over 50 years and is “safe and highly effective at preventing infections.” Those who are unsure of their vaccination status, or that of their children, are urged to contact their health-care provider or local Public Health office.
Symptoms of measles
Public Health says anyone experiencing symptoms should isolate and contact Tele-Care 811 by telephone and follow the operator’s instructions. These people should not go to an emergency room, doctor’s office or clinic.
Anyone who is seriously ill and needs to go to the emergency room should call ahead to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
Symptoms of measles may include:
- fever
- cough
- sore and/or red eyes
- runny nose
- tiny white spots in the mouth
Within three-to-seven days, Public Health says a red, blotchy rash will appear, first on the face and then spreading to the body, arms and legs.
More information, including new potential exposures, can be found online.
For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Boissonnault out of cabinet to 'focus on clearing the allegations made against him,' Trudeau announces
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced embattled minister Randy Boissonnault is out of cabinet.
Families of Paul Bernardo's victims not allowed to attend parole hearing in person, lawyer says
The families of the victims of Paul Bernardo have been barred from attending the serial killer’s upcoming parole hearing in person, according to the lawyer representing the loved ones of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy.
BREAKING Missing 4-month-old baby pronounced dead after ‘suspicious incident’ in midtown Toronto: police
A four-month-old baby is dead after what Toronto police are calling a 'suspicious incident' at a Midtown apartment building on Wednesday afternoon.
'They squandered 10 years of opportunity': Canada Post strike exposes longtime problems, expert says
Canada Post is at ‘death's door’ and won't survive if it doesn't dramatically transform its business, a professor who has studied the Crown corporation is warning as the postal workers' national strike drags on.
Sask. woman who refused to provide breath sample did not break the law, court finds
A Saskatchewan woman who refused to provide a breath sample after being stopped by police in Regina did not break the law – as the officer's request was deemed not lawful given the circumstances.
'Bomb cyclone' batters B.C. coast with hurricane-force winds, downing trees onto roads and vehicles
Massive trees toppled onto roads, power lines and parked cars as hurricane-force winds battered the B.C. coast overnight during an intense “bomb cyclone” weather event.
EV battery manufacturer Northvolt faces major roadblocks
Swedish electric vehicle battery manufacturer Northvolt is fighting for its survival as Canadian taxpayer money and pension fund investments hang in the balance.
Canada closes embassy in Ukraine after U.S. receives information on 'potential significant air attack'
The Embassy of Canada to Ukraine, located in Kyiv, has temporarily suspended in-person services after U.S. officials there warned they'd received information about a 'potential significant air attack,' cautioning citizens to shelter in place if they hear an air alert.
U.S. woman denied parole 30 years after drowning 2 sons by rolling car into South Carolina lake
A parole board decided unanimously Wednesday that Susan Smith should remain in prison 30 years after she killed her sons by rolling her car into a South Carolina lake while they were strapped in their car seats.