Capital, up-river measles outbreak worsens
Public health officials report that 11 new cases have been confirmed in New Brunswick
Eleven new cases of measles have been confirmed in New Brunswick, provincial health officials announced Saturday, which means the total has multiplied by a factor of five since last week.
The provincial government reported in a news release Saturday that the 11 new cases are all within Zone 3, which includes the Fredericton area and parts of the upper Saint John River valley.
Those bring the total number of confirmed cases since October to 25, up from five as reported Nov. 1.
The latest update also noted there was a potential exposure to one of the confirmed cases in Fredericton earlier this week: at the northside Walmart store Tuesday between 1:30 and 3:45 p.m.
Health officials also noted that other potential cases are under investigation, and that the situation is evolving with new cases possible at any time.
The regional medical officer of health said it’s vital that people endeavour to determine if they’re protected and/or vaccinated against measles.
“As the number of cases continues to rise, it is more important than ever for New Brunswickers to ensure they are protected, either through previous infection or vaccine,” Dr. Mark McKelvie said in the release. “Now is the time to take action.”
To that end, the Horizon Health Network is hosting additional vaccination clinics in the region next week:
at Fredericton Public Health at 300 St. Mary’s St., on Friday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.;
and at the Western Valley Multiplex in the Centreville district of Carleton North on Wednesday, Nov. 13 and Friday, Nov. 15, from 10 to 11:45 a.m., and from 1 to 2:45 p.m.
The release noted that primary care providers and public health offices can also offer the vaccine to eligible New Brunswickers.
“Most people born in 1970 or later can be protected from measles infection with two doses of vaccine. McKelvie said the measles vaccine has been in use for over 50 years and is safe and highly effective at preventing infections,” it said.
“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.”
The MMRV vaccine is one that protects babies aged 12 to 18 months against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.
People born before 1970 are generally considered to be protected from measles, but those born later who have not received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine should get vaccinated, health officials suggested.
The measles virus is one of the most contagious infections known, the release said, and it’s transmitted through the air or by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions from those who are infected.
“Measles can be more severe in adults and infants and can lead to complications,” it said.
“Symptoms of measles may include fever, cough, sore and/or red eyes, runny nose or tiny white spots in the mouth. Within three to seven days, a red blotchy rash will appear, first on the face and then spreading to the body, arms and legs.”
Public health officials said those experiencing the relevant symptoms should isolate and contact Tele-Care by calling 811 and follow the instructions provided.
“They should not go to an emergency department, doctor’s office or clinic,” the release said.
“Anyone who is seriously ill and needs to go to the emergency department should call ahead to help reduce the risk of spreading the disease.”
Additional information on measles and immunization is available online.
The Fredericton Independent can be reached at ftonindependent@gmail.com.
I wonder how many of these cases are children who haven't been vaccinated yet, versus the number of people who didn't get vaccinated at all.
A worthy public health office would make this information 100% more clear.
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