Two more cases of measles have been confirmed in New Brunswick, Public Health announced Thursday.
Officials said they are both close contacts of a confirmed case first announced one week ago on Oct. 24 and are in the upper Saint John River valley region.
“It is concerning that the virus has spread to two close contacts of the first case,” Dr. Mark McKelvie, regional medical officer of health,” said in a news release.
“Public Health continues to monitor contacts and notify people of potential exposure as it becomes aware.
“However, if the spread continues to progress, it is possible that Public Health will not be able to identify everyone who has been exposed.”
Officials previously said the initial case involved someone who had recently travelled outside of the country.
They warned about potential exposures at the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville, on an Air Canada flight from Toronto Pearson to Fredericton and at the Fredericton International Airport arrivals area.
The measles virus is one of the most contagious infections known, according to provincial health officials.
It is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of an infected person. Measles can be more severe in adults and infants and can lead to complications.
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.
“Given how quickly measles can spread, and given the number of persons now potentially implicated, it is important to take action before this spreads further,” said McKelvie.
“For those who are already protected from measles, the risk remains low. For those who are not yet protected, the risk is unfortunately increased and may change further.”
Most people born in 1970 or later can be protected from measles infection with two doses of vaccine, said Public Health.
While those born before 1970 are generally considered to be protected from measles, people born later who have not received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are encouraged to get vaccinated.
Horizon Health is hosting a vaccine clinic on Friday and Saturday in Centreville. Another clinic is being set up on Friday in Stanley.
