Health officials in New Brunswick have reported five additional confirmed cases of measles in the Saint John area over the past two days.
Two new cases were confirmed late Saturday. Both cases are linked to a previous confirmed case at Kennebecasis Valley High School.
Three new cases were confirmed late Sunday. Two are linked to a previous confirmed case at Kennebecasis Valley High School. One of the new cases involves an individual who was recently present at the emergency department of the Saint John Regional Hospital.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the Saint John area to eight.
“Measles is a very serious disease and people must understand the importance of contacting your health-care provider, Public Health or 811 by telephone prior to presenting to a clinic, physician’s office or emergency room so that necessary measures can be put into place to prevent the spread to others,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health.
Individuals who were present at the emergency department of the Saint John Regional Hospital on the dates below were potentially exposed to the measles:
- 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 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
- May 25, 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
“Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease and is vaccine-preventable,” said Russell. “Vaccination is our best possible protection against measles.”
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