Vaccination clinics are now taking place in Centreville and Stanley following the announcement of two measles cases on Thursday. Reuters
A measles outbreak has been officially reported in Zone 3 of New Brunswick, covering Fredericton and the upper Saint John River Valley. The alert came after the chief medical officer of health confirmed a case of measles on October 24 in the Fredericton and Carleton County areas. Since then, the situation has escalated with two more cases confirmed shortly thereafter, bringing the total to five cases as of Thursday.
Two of the affected individuals have been hospitalized at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. In response, public health officials have implemented measures to minimize public exposure. Dr. Mark McKelvie, the regional medical officer of health, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The situation is evolving rapidly. Measles is highly contagious. It can be severe in adults and infants and can cause serious complications. With the number of cases growing – and expected to continue growing – now is the time to get vaccinated if you are not protected through previous exposure or vaccine.”
Individuals who are already vaccinated against measles are at low risk, according to Dr. McKelvie. To help address the outbreak, Horizon Health Network is organizing vaccination clinics in various locations. One such clinic is scheduled for Saturday, November 2, at the Western Valley Multiplex in Centreville, running from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Additional clinic dates include Monday, November 4, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday, November 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Another clinic will take place at the Stanley Health Centre on Friday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Public Health urges those who need the vaccine to schedule an appointment either through the provincial online system or by calling Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424. The vaccine available protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella, and is typically administered to babies at 12 and 18 months. While individuals born before 1970 are generally considered protected, those born later should ensure they have received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Dr. McKelvie noted that the measles vaccine has been around for over 50 years and is both safe and effective. He urged anyone uncertain about their vaccination status to reach out to their healthcare provider or local Public Health office. “Public Health continues to monitor contacts and notify people of potential exposure as it becomes aware,” he said, adding that New Brunswickers can help limit the outbreak by ensuring they are vaccinated.
Those experiencing symptoms of measles, such as fever, cough, sore and/or red eyes, runny nose, or tiny white spots in the mouth, should isolate themselves and contact Tele-Care 811 for guidance. It is crucial for anyone feeling seriously ill and needing emergency care to call ahead to avoid spreading the virus.
Measles is highly contagious and can be transmitted through the air or direct contact with an infected person’s secretions. Symptoms typically appear about seven to 14 days after exposure, starting with a fever and cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body.
In light of this outbreak, health officials encourage everyone to stay informed and protect themselves and their communities.
