A confirmed case of measles in Moncton has prompted New Brunswick Public Health to issue a list of times and places where people could have potentially been exposed to the contagious disease.
In a news release issued Friday night, the Department of Health said the case is likely the result of recent international travel.
The release does not say which country the patient recently travelled from or what their age is.
The list of exposure locations includes:
- Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport on July 20 between 11:20 a.m. and 3:35 p.m.
- Air Canada Flight 1550 from Montreal to Fredericton on July 20.
- Fredericton International Airport arrivals on July 20 between 2:20 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- The emergency department at Stella-Maris-de-Kent Hospital in Sainte-Anne de-Kent, N.B., between 5:30 p.m. on July 22 and 2:30 a.m. on July 23.
Public Health officials will contact individuals who were at the hospital during the potential exposure times, said the release.
For anyone who was potentially exposed, Public Health is advising they 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,” Dr. Rita Gad, regional medical officer of health, said in the release.
Do not go to ER if symptoms occur: Public Health
Early symptoms of measles may include fever, cough, sore and/or red eyes, runny nose or tiny white spots in the mouth, according to the release.
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.”
The Department of Health said New Brunswick Public Health is working with the Public Health Agency of Canada and Quebec’s public health authority given there were potential exposures outside New Brunswick.
Measles can be prevented with a vaccine, and most people are protected from the disease with two doses, the department said.
In New Brunswick, the vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella is free of charge for babies aged 12 and 18 months, the department said.
Additionally, individuals born in 1970 or later who have not previously received two doses of the 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, the department said.
“Measles can be more severe in adults and infants and can lead to complications,” the department said.
“All residents are urged to consider vaccination as the best way to protect themselves and their families against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.”
