A measles outbreak in the Sussex region that began nearly two months ago is now over.
Public Health officially declared an end to the outbreak on Thursday morning.
The first case was reported on July 9, with an outbreak being declared five days later.
Health officials said there have been no new cases reported since July 15.
“Although this outbreak has ended, it is a clear reminder of how quickly diseases like measles can arrive in our communities,” Dr. Kimberley Barker, regional medical officer of health, said in a news release.
“Immunization remains our strongest defence against vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. I encourage all New Brunswickers to remain vigilant and up to date with their vaccinations.”
Anyone born in 1970 or later needs two doses of a measles-containing vaccine to be considered immune, unless they were previously infected.
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.
Early 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.
