A measles outbreak in western New Brunswick has been declared over by the New Brunswick government.
The outbreak began in Zone 3, which includes Fredericton and the upper Saint John River valley, on Nov. 1.
It started with a travel-related case and spread to 50 people throughout the region, most under the age of 19.
In a Tuesday news release declaring the outbreak over, the province said the last case was confirmed on Nov. 26.
“While this outbreak is over, I encourage New Brunswickers to continue to stay up to date on their immunizations,” Dr. Mark McKelvie, regional medical officer of health, said in the release.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones against numerous vaccine-preventable diseases, like measles.”
During the outbreak, health officials reached 266 people through contact tracing and immunized nearly 240 people at 30 special immunization clinics.
In New Brunswick, the vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella is part of the routine publicly funded schedule for babies aged 12 and 18 months.
It is also available free for children who have not received two doses and for adults born in 1970 or later. Those born before 1970 are generally considered to be protected from measles.
