The measles outbreak in the Fredericton and Saint John River Valley region has been declared over.
Dr. Mark McKelvie, the regional medical officer of health for Zone 3, said that while the outbreak is over, he encourages New Brunswickers to stay up-to-date with their immunizations.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones against numerous vaccine-preventable diseases, like measles,” he said in a media release.
The outbreak was officially declared on Nov. 1 from a travel-associated case and spread to 50 people in the region. According to the Department of Health, the final case was confirmed on Nov. 26.
Health officials reached 266 people through contact tracing, conducted active surveillance, provided advice for anyone exposed to measles, and urged people to ensure their vaccinations were up to date.
The department said it immunized 239 people at 30 special immunization clinics.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the dedicated team of public health professionals and many other health system partners who worked tirelessly to bring this outbreak under control,” said Dr. Yves Leger, the acting chief medical officer of health. “This situation is a good reminder that diseases that are happening elsewhere in the world can quickly arrive on our doorstep, and the importance of being up to date on our immunizations to protect ourselves from these vaccine-preventable infections.”
The department said in the release that most people are protected from the measles infection from two doses of the vaccine. The vaccine which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella is publicly funded for babies aged 12 and 18 months.
It is also free for children who have not received two doses and for adults born in 1970 or later.
The measles virus is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with an infected person. It can be more severe in adults and young children.
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