Measles outbreak in Sussex, N.B., grows to 3 confirmed cases; 5 more cases probable

Sussex, N.B., has three confirmed measles cases following the declaration of an outbreak.

A measles outbreak in Sussex, N.B., has now grown to three confirmed cases, with the region’s top doctor adding there are five more people that are probable to contract the virus.

In an update to reporters Tuesday afternoon, Southern New Brunswick Regional Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kimberley Barker said, despite the quickly growing number, she is confident her team has a good handle on the situation.

When asked if there is a certain age or demographic that is contracting the virus at this time, Barker said it’s too early to share that type of information.

“If I was to start describing the age groups or the gender or source, the gender or the geographical location specifically, I think that risks identifying people,” Barker said. “If we get more numbers and we hit a number that we feel more confident that privacy wouldn’t be necessarily compromised, we would then share that with [the public].”

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The regional medical officer of health added it is also too early to share if any of the confirmed or probable cases are related to one another.

Last week, New Brunswick said it found a case of measles believed to be connected to a person from outside the province who travelled in the Sussex region on June 22 and 23.

New Brunswick Public Health declared a measles outbreak in the Sussex area on Monday, following the confirmation of two cases in the province.

Vaccine clinics for measles offered over the weekend in Sussex were well-attended, according to Barker, with around 70 people getting the shot.

Based off school immunization records, 90 per cent of people in the Sussex region are vaccinated against measles. She said a number of open spots are available by appointment through Sussex Public Health during regular business hours.

“The great thing is that our clinics were not only vaccinating; people were also answering important questions,” Barker noted. She said, if the case count continues to rise, some programming like infant and toddler programs for parents and newborns may be paused to limit the spread. Measles symptoms include:

• fever
• cough
• runny nose
• tiny white spots in the mouth
• sore and/or red eyes

For those who think they may have symptoms, the last thing they should do is go to the hospital without calling ahead.

“Coming into an emergency department where we know that waiting rooms are often very, very busy means that you’re posing a huge risk of contaminating and infecting staff and other patients,” points out the region’s top doctor.

“What we’re asking is that you call 8-1-1 to seek advice. They will either transfer you to public health and we’ll continue the discussion, or they will make arrangements for you to be seen at the hospital.”

People are advised to check their immunization status. Adults can receive vaccines at pharmacies while people under the age of 18 should visit their primary care provider or Public Health office.

“People should self-monitor for measles symptoms for up to 21 days following a potential exposure,” a news release reads.

“Early symptoms 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.”

Cases of the virus have also been reported recently in both Nova Scotia and P.E.I.

New Brunswick previously declared a measles outbreak in the Fredericton/Upper Saint John River Valley area, otherwise known as Health Zone 3, on Nov. 1. That outbreak, which infected 50 people, was declared over in January.

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