Airline passenger confirmed measles case in NB

Government informs on flight and possible contact

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health is issuing an advisory about potential exposure to a confirmed case of measles in the Fredericton and Carleton County areas, involving a person who recently travelled internationally.

Public health officials are warning of possible measles exposure in the Upper River Valley Hospital’s emergency department during the following times:

•              Friday, Oct. 18, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight

•              Sunday, Oct. 20, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Anyone potentially exposed to measles during these times at the hospital’s emergency department is advised to call the Woodstock Public Health office at 506-325-4773 to speak with a nurse, even if they do not have any symptoms.

There were other possible measles exposures in these locations:

•              Thursday, Oct. 17 – Air Canada Flight AC152 from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Fredericton International Airport, arrival at 4:56 p.m.

•              Thursday, Oct. 17 – Fredericton International Airport arrivals between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

People who were on the Toronto-Fredericton flight or at the airport during those times should monitor themselves for symptoms and call 811 for further direction. Travellers who are in another jurisdiction should contact their local public health agency.

Further updates to this advisory, including additional potential exposures, will be added to the Public Health Advisories and Alerts website.

“All individuals who were potentially exposed should check their immunization records or contact their health-care provider if they are unsure about their immunization status,” said Dr. Mark McKelvie, regional medical officer of health. “If you have symptoms, it is important that you self-isolate and contact Telecare 811 by telephone. Do not go to the emergency room, doctor’s office or clinic. You must contact Telecare 811 so that necessary measures can be put into place to prevent the spread to others, because measles can spread very easily.”

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.

Public Health New Brunswick is collaborating with the Public Health Agency of Canada to address exposures outside the province.

Measles can be prevented with a vaccine. Most people are protected from measles infection with 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. While those born before 1970 are generally considered to be protected from measles, people born later who have not received two doses of MMR vaccine should get vaccinated. They can contact their health-care provider to be immunized for free.

The measles virus 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. All residents are urged to consider vaccination as the best way to protect themselves and their families against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Those who are unsure of their vaccination status, or that of their children, are urged to discuss this with their health-care provider.

Additional information on measles and immunization is available online.