In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Saint John region, New Brunswick, health officials report there have been 12 confirmed cases of measles in the Saint John region as of June 1, 2019.
In addition, a case of measles is in the Hampton High School community and linked to a previous confirmed case at Kennebecasis Valley High School.
Public Health officials are advising individuals who used Vet’s Taxi Ltd. on the dates below that they were potentially exposed to the measles:
- May 22, 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- May 24, 9:40 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- May 25, 2:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. & 6:40 p.m. to 9:10 p.m.
- May 26, 12:50 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.
“If you or someone you know used this taxi company during those times, please continue to self-monitor for symptoms,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health.
If you were in the Saint John Regional Hospital ER on the following dates, please self-monitor your symptoms and check to confirm your vaccine records:
- May 19, 10:45 p.m. to 1:35 a.m.
- May 22, 8 p.m. to 11:05 p.m.
- May 24, 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- May 25, 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Early symptoms of the 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.
“If these symptoms are present, it is important that you self-isolate and contact Telecare 811 by telephone,” said Russell. “Do not go to go a clinic, physician’s office or emergency room. You must contact Telecare 811 so that necessary measures can be put into place to prevent the spread to others.”
Measles can be prevented with a vaccine. Most people are protected from measles infection from 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.
