Possible measles exposure in Fredericton area
Possible measles exposure in Fredericton area
Province also warns of another potential contact with same case at Waterville hospital
Public-health officials have confirmed a case of the measles in New Brunswick related to international travel, and they warn of potential community exposures in Fredericton and near Woodstock.
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health issued the advisory Thursday afternoon about the confirmed case of measles involving a person who recently travelled internationally.
As a result of this detection, the Department of Health said in a news release, there were the following potential exposures in the capital region on Oct. 17 last week:
Air Canada Flight AC152 from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Fredericton International Airport, arrival at 4:56 p.m.,
and Fredericton International Airport arrivals between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Furthermore, the same case gave rise to potential exposures last week at the emergency room of the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville, near Woodstock, on the following occasions:
Friday, Oct. 18, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight,
and Sunday, Oct. 20, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“Anyone potentially exposed to measles during these times at the hospital’s emergency department is advised to call the Woodstock Public Health office at 506-325-4773 to speak with a nurse, even if they do not have any symptoms,” the release said.
It also advised that those who were on the Toronto-Fredericton flight Oct. 17 or at the airport during those times should self-monitor for potential symptoms, and they can call 811 for further directions.
Any travellers in other jurisdictions should contact their local public health agencies, the release said.
New Brunswick’s Public Health office is working with the Public Health Agency of Canada to address exposures outside the province.
“All individuals who were potentially exposed should check their immunization records or contact their health-care provider if they are unsure about their immunization status,” said Dr. Mark McKelvie, regional medical officer of health.
“If you have symptoms, it is important that you self-isolate and contact Telecare 811 by telephone. Do not go to the emergency room, doctor’s office or clinic. You must contact Telecare 811 so that necessary measures can be put into place to prevent the spread to others, because measles can spread very easily.”
Among the symptoms of the measles are fever, cough, sore and/or red eyes, runny nose and 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,” the release said.
“The measles virus is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of an infected person. Measles can be more severe in adults and infants and can lead to complications.”
Measles can be prevented with a vaccine, Public Health advised, and most people are protected from measles infection with two doses of vaccine.
“In New Brunswick, the vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella is free of charge for babies aged 12 and 18 months,” the release said.
“While those born before 1970 are generally considered to be protected from measles, people born later who have not received two doses of MMR vaccine should get vaccinated.”
Those wishing to do so should contact their health-care provider for a free immunization.
The provincial government has more information on the measles on its website.
The Fredericton Independent can be reached at ftonindependent@gmail.com.