Vaccination clinics planned after 2 more measles cases confirmed in western N.B.

Two more measles cases have been identified in New Brunswick, both connected to a case confirmed last week, Public Health says.

The two latest cases are in the "upper Saint John River Valley,"according to a news release,which did not specify where.CBC News has asked for clarification.

Public Healthis investigating other potential cases as well, and those are also close contacts of the original case. Peopleare being notified of potential exposure, the release said.

"However, if the spread continues to progress, it is possible that Public Health will not be able to identify everyone who has been exposed."

The latest alert follows exposure notifications posted on Oct. 24 for the Upper River Valley Hospital and Fredericton Airport after confirmation of the first case, which was travel-related. The exact times and locations of the exposures are posted on the Public Health website.

Horizon Health isholding free vaccine clinics for measles n Centreville, north of Woodstock, andin Stanley, north of Fredericton.

Vaccination clinics

A clinic at the Western Valley Multiplex in Centreville will be heldon Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

A clinic will be held Friday at the Stanley Health Centrefrom 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

People are encouraged to book an appointment online orby calling Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424.

The release said the measles vaccine has been in use for over 50 years, and most people born in 1970 or later can be protected by two doses.

"Given how quickly measles can spread, and given the number of persons now potentially implicated, it is important to take action before this spreads further," Dr. Mark McKelvie, regional medical officer of health, is quoted as saying in the release.

People with existing protection from measles have a low risk, he said.

"For those who are not yet protected, the risk is unfortunately increased and may change further."

Very contagious, Public Health says

Measles is one of the most contagious infections known, the release said, and can be more severe in adults and infants.

"It is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of an infected person," the release said.

Symptoms of measles may include fever, cough, sore or red eyes, runny nose or tiny white spots in the mouth. Within three to seven days, a red blotchy rash appears, first on the face and spreading to the body, arms and legs.

"People experiencing symptoms consistent with measles should isolate and contact Tele-Care 811 by telephone and follow the operator's instructions," the release said. "They should not go to an emergency room, doctor's office or clinic."