Mystery brain disease: Data analysis complete, New Brunswick launches info line

Initial data in the New Brunswick mystery brain illness investigation has been sent to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Another phase of the investigation into cases of a mysterious brain disease in New Brunswick has been completed.

The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health has finished the initial data analysis phase of its investigation into the undiagnosed neurological illness and the results have been submitted to the Public Health Agency of Canada for scientific review, according to a news release from the New Brunswick government.

“Having the findings reviewed, both internally and by the Public Health Agency of Canada, will ensure we come out of this process with a robust understanding of what the data is telling us,” said Dr. Yves Léger, the chief medical officer of health, in the release. “This will help us determine what needs to happen next to support affected patients and their families.”

It is estimated 400 New Brunswick residents currently live with the disease, which seems to mostly affect people living in the Acadian Peninsula and Moncton areas.

Provincial health officials first alerted doctors about a growing cluster of people with an undiagnosed neurological illness in 2021.

Public Health studied a group of 48 patients with a range of neurological symptoms, such as memory problems, balance issues, behavioural changes, muscle spasms and bursts of intense pain.

New Brunswick health authorities concluded in a February 2022 report there was no evidence a cluster of cases existed.

At the time, the province said studies showed the patients were likely suffering from known diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and cancer.

However, the province says the referring neurologist raised new concerns, including more patients reporting unusual symptoms, to Public Health in early 2023. Dr. Alier Marrero suggested the illness may have been caused by environmental factors, such as elevated levels of pesticides.

Patients and their families also called on the provincial government to investigate whether there might be a link between their symptoms and environmental toxins, and last year the Liberals campaigned on a promise to reopen the investigation.

The province says the main purpose of the current investigation is to learn more about the elevated levels of certain environmental substances.

Officials at the Public Health Agency of Canada will review the data analysis and provide formal feedback to the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

“While we know New Brunswickers are eager see the results of the analysis, we will wait until the scientific review is completed before sharing findings as part of the final report,” said Léger. “The process underway will ensure we have confidence in the findings from this work.”

The government has launched a new information line (1-866-506-9355) that will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to provide “general information about the investigation and its status.” The same information will also be available online.

The province says trained clinicians will also provide mental health support on the phone line 24/7.

“As we continue with our investigation, we are also taking steps to support patients and their families,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “This new service will offer another method of providing important information about our work, along with mental health support for those who need it.”

The investigation is expected to be completed by summer.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Natalie Lombard and Andrea Jerrett.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.