Latest news with #DrKimberleyBarker
CTV News
18-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
‘Fantastic' response from Sussex, N.B., residents fighting measles outbreak, says Public Health
A "Welcome to Sussex" sign is pictured in Sussex, N.B., on July 15, 2025. (Avery MacRae/CTV Atlantic) New Brunswick's regional medical officer of health for Sussex says an outbreak of measles in the area has provoked a 'fantastic' response from residents. 'From the Sussex-area we've had tremendous support in terms of people wanting to verify their vaccines, wanting to verify their children are up to date with their vaccines, and if not, they've been booking,' said Dr. Kimberley Barker. 'Our nurses are very busy in our clinics but are really thrilled by the response from the Sussex-area.' No new measles cases were reported in the Sussex-area on Friday. A total of 13 measles cases were confirmed on Thursday, up from five on Wednesday. The area's first measles report was confirmed about a week ago, after a person travelled from another province between June 22 and June 23. Barker said the area's measles outbreak was 'running its course in the direction that we had anticipated,' but Public Health officials remained vigilant. Public Health wasn't able to provide figures on Friday about the exact number of vaccines administered in the area this week. A special vaccine clinic was held at Sussex public health offices on Thursday evening. Vaccine appointments can be booked online or by calling Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424. Barker said people planning to attend this weekend's FundyFest music festival in Sussex should ensure their vaccinations are up to date. 'Measles is highly contagious, and when you're in a crowd, like, we're expecting this weekend, you are placed more at risk,' said Barker. 'Make sure your vaccines are up to date if you are planning to attend the event. We have no intention of cancelling it because we do not believe it to be risky. But it's always important, no matter where we are attending public gatherings, to make sure our vaccines are up to date. 'And finally, as important if not more important, if you're sick please stay home.' Measles symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, tiny white spots in the mouth, as well as a rash that starts on the face and neck before spreading to other parts of the body. The virus is transmitted through the air or by contact with nasal or throat droplets from an infected person. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Globe and Mail
17-07-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
New Brunswick reaches 13 measles cases, more than double previous count
The number of confirmed measles cases in New Brunswick's south-central region has more than doubled over the past 24 hours. Public health officials say there are 13 confirmed cases of the contagious infection in Sussex, N.B., up from five on Wednesday. Dr. Kimberley Barker, regional medical officer of health for Sussex, said earlier in the week she suspected there could be more cases because some infected people could simply stay home and not seek medical attention. Explainer: Measles is re-emerging in Canada. Here's what you need to know to protect you and your family Measles cases were first reported in Sussex about a week ago after a person travelled to the area from another province between June 22 and June 23. Barker highlighted the importance of vaccination due to rising cases countrywide. New Brunswick has said at least 10 per cent of children are not fully vaccinated against measles.
CTV News
14-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
N.B. declares measles outbreak in Sussex after two cases found
New Brunswick Public Health has declared a measles outbreak in the Sussex area following the confirmation of two cases in the province. Last week New Brunswick said it found a case believed to be connected to a person from outside the province who travelled in the Sussex region on June 22 and 23. Since then it has confirmed another case. 'Measles spreads quickly and easily,' said Dr. Kimberley Barker, regional medical officer of health, in a news release. 'With an additional confirmed case, and others under investigation, it is critical to act quickly to prevent it from spreading further.' New Brunswick had a previous measles outbreak that was declared over earlier this year. People are advised to check their immunization status. Adults can receive vaccines at pharmacies while people under the age of 18 should visit their primary care provider or Public Health office. 'People should self-monitor for measles symptoms for up to 21 days following a potential exposure,' the release reads. '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.' Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have both reported measles cases in the last two weeks. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTV News
10-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
New Brunswick reports case of measles in Sussex
New Brunswick is reporting a confirmed case of measles in the Sussex area as all three Maritime provinces grapple with the infection. New Brunswick, which declared its previous measles outbreak over earlier this year, says the new case is believed to be connected to another person from outside the province who travelled in the Sussex region on June 22 and 23. Public Health is investigating the matter and believes there are likely other cases in the region. 'Given how quickly measles can spread, it is important to take action now,' said Dr. Kimberley Barker, regional medical officer of health, in a news release. 'For those who are already protected from measles, the risk remains low. If you are not protected through previous infection or vaccine, now is the time to get vaccinated.' Public Health is hosting a vaccine clinic from 4:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at its Sussex office at 30 Moffett Ave. on Thursday. People can book an appointment online or by calling Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424. Measles symptoms include: fever cough runny nose tiny white spots in the mouth sore and/or red eyes Prince Edward Island reported two measles cases on June 26 while Nova Scotia reported a case in Pictou County on Monday. Previous reporting by The Canadian Press shows roughly 23 per cent Nova Scotia children were not fully vaccinated for measles in 2024. P.E.I. and New Brunswick say about 10 per cent of children in their provinces are not fully vaccinated. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
