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 Moncton area in an individual who recently travelled internationally.

"Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease and is vaccine-preventable said Dr. Rita Gad, regional medical officer of health.

The confirmed case is travel-related, and public health officials are warning of possible measles exposure in the following locations in New Brunswick and Quebec.

July 20, 11:20 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

July 20, Air Canada Flight 1550 Montreal to Fredericton

July 20, 2:20 p.m. to 5 p.m Fredericton International Airport Arrivals

July 22, 5:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. July 23, emergency department, Stella-Maris-de-Kent Hospital, Ste-Anne-de-Kent. Public Health officials will reach out to individuals who were present at the hospital during those times.

Public Health officials advise all individuals who were potentially exposed to check their immunization records or contact their health-care provider if they are unsure about their immunization status.

"If you or someone you know was in those locations at those times, it is important to self-monitor for symptoms of measles," said Gad.

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 Gad. "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."

Public Health New Brunswick is collaborating with Public Health Agency of Canada and Quebec public health given that exposures include locations outside the province.

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. Individuals born in 1970 or later who have not previously received two doses of MMR vaccine can also contact their health care provider to be immunized

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.

26-07-24

Media Contact(s)

Tanya O'Callaghan, communications, Department of Health, [email protected]

[email protected]