N.B. Chief Medical Officer of Health office issues advisory
People who were in the Upper River Hospital’s Emergency Department on Friday, Oct. 18, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, and on Sunday, Oct. 20, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. may have been exposed to the measles. Anyone in the ER during this time is advised to contact Woodstock Public Health at (506) 325-4773 and speak with a nurse, even if they do not have any symptoms.
Health officials noted in a release issued on Thursday, Oct. 24, that the potential exposure involves someone who recently travelled internationally.
Possible exposures also happened on Thursday, Oct. 17, on an Air Canada Flight AC152 from Toronto Pearson International Airport to the Fredericton International Airport, arriving at 4:56 p.m. and the Fredericton International Airport arrivals area between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
People on the Toronto-Fredericton flight or at the airport during those times should monitor themselves for symptoms and call 811 for further direction. Travellers who are in another jurisdiction should contact their local public health agency.
“All individuals who were potentially exposed should check their immunization records or contact their healthcare 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.”
Symptoms of measles may include fever, cough, sore and/or red eyes, runny nose or 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.
Public Health New Brunswick is collaborating with the Public Health Agency of Canada to address exposures outside the province.
Measles can be prevented with a vaccine. 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. 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. They can contact their healthcare provider to be immunized for free.
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, leading to complications. All residents are urged to consider vaccination as the best way to protect themselves and their families against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Those unsure of their vaccination status or their children are urged to discuss this with their healthcare provider.
