N.B. calls on federal government support for investigation into undiagnosed neurological illness

New Brunswick is asking the Public Health Agency of Canada for additional support to investigate several cases of an undiagnosed neurological illness.

New Brunswick’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health is working to finalize its environmental analysis report. The federal agency has been asked to conduct a review of all the data collected as part of the investigation.

The officer will ensure a formal data-sharing agreement is in place to protect patient privacy.

“The chief medical officer of health and his staff have done significant and important work to date on the analysis and incorporation of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s feedback, and we look forward to having that information shared with the public,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “At the same time, we have asked the Public Health Agency of Canada to review all the data so we can draw on every available expertise to better understand these complex cases.”

The provincial government has been investigating the cases since 2021. The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of 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.

A report was issued on Feb. 24, 2022, after the initial investigation and found no evidence of a common illness.

“In early 2023, new concerns – including more patients reporting unusual symptoms – were reported to Public Health. The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Vitalité Health Network have since been working together, with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada, to collect and verify patient information to allow for further investigation,” a release from the province said.

The patient data analysis by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health started in March 2025.

“From the start of our investigation, we have been clear about our objective to develop a robust understanding of what the data is telling us, which will help us determine what next steps are needed to support affected patients and their families,” said Dr. Yves Léger, the chief medical officer of health. “The work has been underway for several months, and we’ve received valuable feedback from our partners throughout the process. Taking the time to reflect that input in the final report is essential to ensuring the findings are as thorough as possible.”

The release of the report on the investigation has been pushed to the end of December.

More information about the investigation, including timelines for the work is available online.

The federal agency’s review will depend on getting the consent of patients to allow the data sharing.

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