Public Health declares measles outbreak in western New Brunswick

There are now five cases of measles in Zone 3, which includes Perth-Andover, Florenceville-Bristol, Woodstock, Plaster Rock, Fredericton, Boiestown, Minto and Chipman. The number of cases prompted Public Health to declare an outbreak.

“The situation is evolving rapidly and we are trying to do something to get ahead of the spread,” said Dr. Mark McKelvie, a regional health officer.

“As a result of this ongoing transfer, you know, our level of concern has increased,” he said in an interview with Move on CBC Radio.

Measles can spread very quickly through a household, McKelvie said.

“It’s one of the most contagious diseases we know of,” with one case having the potential to generate eight or nine others.

Symptoms are usually nonspecific at first, such as fever, runny nose or cough, he said.

“But the classic measles symptom is this rash—the rash that typically starts on the forehead and then descends down the body.”

It’s important for people to be aware of their symptoms and isolate themselves, McKelvie said, “because measles can be transmitted before you’re aware.”

People born before 1970 probably had previous exposure and do not need vaccines, but those born after that year should have two doses. People can ask their regular care provider or local public health unit about their vaccine status if they are unsure.

Two vaccine clinics were held Friday, but there is still one scheduled for Saturday at the Western Valley Multiplex in Centreville, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. People are encouraged to book an appointment online or by calling Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424.

The clinics are free to eligible New Brunswickers.

More clinics are planned for the coming week. The Centerville location will also hold clinics Monday from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Stanley location will also hold one next Friday, November 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m

Two doses of the vaccine are estimated to be about 97 percent effective against the disease, McKelvie said.

He said people should take action as there is a risk of measles spreading.

“So if I’m not up to date on my vaccine, or I am and I haven’t been previously exposed, the risk of me being exposed can grow.”

There has been a global increase in measles cases in the past year, he said, driven by regions with little or no population vaccine coverage.

“And then eventually things kind of fall through and measles finds its way through the crack,” McKelvie said.

“And our job here is to kind of close those cracks through vaccinations.”