Measles outbreak over, says public health
Situation in Zone 3, which includes Fredericton, began Nov. 1; last case confirmed Nov. 26
An outbreak of the measles in the Fredericton and Woodstock areas is over, say provincial health officials, who urged people to ensure they’re vaccinated against it.
The provincial government issued a news release Tuesday, advising it had declared the outbreak in Zone 3 was over.
Zone 3 includes Fredericton and the upper Saint John River Valley.
“While this outbreak is over, I encourage New Brunswickers to continue to stay up to date on their immunizations,” Dr. Mark McKelvie, regional medical officer of health, said in the release.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones against numerous vaccine-preventable diseases, like measles.”
The outbreak was declared Nov. 1 and stemmed originally from a travel-associated case that spread to 50 people in the region, the release said.
“The last case was confirmed on Nov. 26,” it said.
Public health officials reached out to 266 people through contact tracing, conducted active surveillance for new potential cases, provided advice to those who were potentially exposed and urged people to ensure their vaccinations were up to date.
The province reports that as of Jan. 2, health-care providers had immunized 239 people through 30 special immunization clinics.
“This situation is a good reminder that diseases that are happening elsewhere in the world can quickly arrive on our doorstep, and of the importance of being up to date on our immunizations to protect ourselves from these vaccine-preventable infections,” Dr. Yves Léger, acting chief medical officer of health, said in the release.
Most people are protected from measles infection from two vaccine doses. In New Brunswick, the vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella is part of the routine publicly funded schedule for babies aged 12 and 18 months.
It’s also available free for children who haven’t received two doses and for adults born in 1970 or later, the release said.
The virus is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with an infected person.
The disease can be more severe in adults and infants, the release said, and it can lead to complications.
The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.