Measles detected in N.B. again
Case of infectious disease confirmed in Sussex region, stemming from contact in late June
Health officials are warning of a new measles case detected in New Brunswick - specifically in the area of Sussex in Kings County - but they’re also warning of how quickly it can spread.
The provincial Department of Health issued an alert Thursday afternoon about the disease, noting that a case had been confirmed in the Sussex region.
“Given how quickly measles can spread, it is important to take action now,” Dr. Kimberley Barker, regional medical officer of health, said in a government news release Thursday.
“For those who are already protected from measles, the risk remains low. If you are not protected through previous infection or vaccine, now is the time to get vaccinated.”
Public health is acting quickly to ensure protections are available, as it’s hosting a vaccination clinic Thursday from 4:45 to 8:30 p.m. at its office in Sussex at 30 Moffett Ave. People can book an appointment through the provincial scheduler or by calling Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424 (available Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Those who can’t access those booking methods can still visit the public health office in person without an appointment.
Health officials suspect the Sussex case to be linked to an out-of-province contact last month.
“This case is believed to be related to another person from outside the province who was travelling in the region June 22-23,” the release said.
“Public health staff are still gathering information but believe there are likely other cases of measles in the region, which can pose ongoing risks of exposure.”
Health officials advise people to self-monitor for measles symptoms for up to 21 days after a potential exposure. Early symptoms may include fever, cough, sore and/or red eyes, runny nose or tiny white spots in the mouth, it said, and within three to seven days, a red blotchy rash will appear, first on the face and then spreading to the body, arms and legs.
“If you develop symptoms, do not go to a clinic, physician’s office or emergency department,” Barker said.
“Instead, self-isolate from others in your household and call Telecare 811 for further guidance. This is important to prevent the spread of measles to others.”
Public health is also urging people to check their immunization records or contact their health-care providers if unsure about immunization status.
“Anyone born in 1970 or later who has not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella vaccine or measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine) can also contact their health-care provider to be immunized,” the release said.
“The vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella is free of charge for babies aged 12 and 18 months.”
The virus is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of someone who’s infected, and the disease can be more severe in adults and infants, potentially leading to complications.
New Brunswick saw a measles outbreak in the Fredericton and Woodstock areas in late 2024, and public health declared it over in early January.
Public health will post information and updates - including details of any new potential exposures that are discovered - to its advisories and alerts website.
Additional information on measles and immunization is available on the provincial government website here.
The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.
Used to be you had to be immunized to attend school.....hmmm.