Measles cases in New Brunswick increase to 37

New Brunswick Public Health has now recorded 37 cases of measles in the province since October, up from 25 on November 9.

We review our figures every day around noon. For the moment, the current number of cases is 37says the interim chief medical officer of health, Yves Léger, during an interview granted Thursday to the show The morningfrom ICI Acadie.

Public health strongly advises parents to have their children vaccinated against this disease. This vaccine, which has been used for more than 50 years, also covers mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

We offer vaccination to all children, therefore two doses, which is recommended at 12 months and 18 months.specifies Dr. Léger.

People born before 1970, before the vaccine was available, are generally considered to be immune to measles because they have likely already contracted the disease. People born in 1970 or later can protect themselves by getting vaccinated.

Adults who are unsure whether they received this vaccine as a child can ask their health care provider or regional public health office.

We encourage all New Brunswickers to do this checksays Yves Léger.

Contagion in places

The cases identified remain for the moment in the Fredericton region and the Haut-Saint-Jean valleyindicates Dr. Léger.

A vaccination session will take place on Friday at the public health office in Fredericton, at 300 rue St. Mary’sfrom 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, according to public health. The virus is transmitted through breathing and contact with secretions from the nose or throat of an infected person.

Symptoms usually include fever, cough, pain or redness in the eyes, runny nose, or tiny white spots in the mouth. Red spots appear on the face three to seven days later, then on the rest of the body.

Public health advises anyone with these symptoms to self-isolate and contact the Tele-Care 811 service for advice on what to do next.