Number of confirmed measles cases in New Brunswick rises to 25

There have been 25 confirmed measles cases in New Brunswick since October after the identification of 11 newcases, according to a news releaseSaturday from Public Health.

The new cases are located in Zone 3, which includes Perth-Andover, Florenceville-Bristol, Woodstock, Plaster Rock, Fredericton, Boiestown, Minto and Chipman.

Officials are also warning of a potential exposure to a measles case on Tuesday at the Walmart Supercentre at 125 Two Nations Crossing in Fredericton between 1:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.

"As the number of cases continues to rise, it is more important than ever for New Brunswickers to ensure they are protected, either through previous infection or vaccine," Dr. Mark McKelvie, theregional medical officer of health, said in the release.

There are additional vaccination clinics being planned for the region. One clinic will be held at the Western Valley Multiplex in the Centreville district of Carleton North on Wednesday and Fridayfrom 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Another clinic will be located at the Fredericton Public Health clinicat300 St. Mary's Street on Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. People can book an appointment online or by calling Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424.

Those who were born before 1970 likely have had previous exposure and don't need vaccines, but those born after that year should have two doses.

Public Health declared a measlesoutbreakin western New Brunswick on Nov. 1. At the time there were five cases confirmed in the region.

The highly contagious diseasecan begin withnon-specific symptoms like fever, runny noseor cough. A telltale symptom is a rash that typically starts on the face and descends down the body.

Measles can lead to complications and can be more severe in infants and adults.

People with measles symptoms should isolate and contact Tele-Care 811, the release says.They should not go to an emergency department, clinic or doctor's office.

Seriously ill people who require a visit to the emergency department should call ahead.