N.B. health officials tracking extent of measles outbreak, five confirmed cases

This file photo shows a vial of a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in Mount Vernon, Ohio, on Aug. 29, 2019. New Brunswick health officials are urging parents to get their children vaccinated against measles after the number of cases of the disease has more than doubled. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
This file photo shows a vial of a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in Mount Vernon, Ohio, on Aug. 29, 2019. New Brunswick health officials are urging parents to get their children vaccinated against measles after the number of cases of the disease has more than doubled. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)

FREDERICTON — Public health officials in New Brunswick said Wednesday the number of confirmed measles cases in the province’s south-central region has risen to five.

On Tuesday officials said there were three confirmed infections and five probable cases in Sussex, N.B.

The first case in Sussex was reported a week ago, involving a person who travelled to the area from another province between June 22 and June 23.

Dr. Kimberley Barker, regional medical officer of health for Sussex, said on Tuesday there could be more infected people in the area, including those with symptoms who are staying home and not seeking medical care.

The government recently confirmed that measles vaccination rates among children in the province were below 95 per cent — a threshold that scientists say can stop the disease from spreading.

Barker did not give the ages of the people with confirmed or probable cases of the disease, citing privacy.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2025.

The Canadian Press

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