Courtesy GNB/YouTube
The provincial government has established a committee to oversee investigative work into a mysterious brain disease which has only been found in New Brunswick.
So far there is no diagnosis for the 48 patients identified with this illness and six of those individuals have died.
Health minister Dorothy Shephard says a broad focus is being taken with this probe and any and all possibilities are being explored.
“The reason we are going to such lengths with this steering committee and with these investments is that we need to allow the science to do its investigation and their work,” notes Shephard.
Shephard understands New Brunswickers are scared and concerned about this disease and promises to provide regular updates.
“We will communicate with families at every opportunity that we can to convey new information or to let them know that it is ongoing. I appreciate that communication is going to be key for them and New Brunswickers to know that we are serious about that.”
The oversight committee will review case files of affected patients, provide second opinions on identified cases, ensure due diligence and rule out other potential causes.
Dr. Natalie Banville, of Vitalité Health Network, and Dr. Edouard Hendriks, of Horizon Health Network, have been appointed co-chairs of the committee which will also include six neurologists and one member from Public Health.
Patients and their families are now completing lengthy questionnaires which Shephard believes should take about six to eight weeks to complete.
