Health authorities are monitoring the scope of a measles outbreak, confirming five cases so far.
The south-central region of New Brunswick, Canada, has officially declared an outbreak of measles as of July 15, 2025. Public health officials have confirmed two cases of measles in the region, with the latest case reported in Sussex, N.B. [1][3]
The first case in Sussex was reported a week ago, and it is believed that the infected individual traveled to the area from another province between June 22 and June 23. [2] Investigations into additional potential cases are ongoing, and some of these potentially infected individuals may be staying home without seeking medical care. [1][3]
The current measles outbreak in New Brunswick is part of a broader multijurisdictional outbreak that began in the province in October 2024 and has since spread to various regions. Nationally in 2025 to date, there have been 3,703 measles cases reported, with a significant portion linked to the outbreak that started in New Brunswick. [2]
Vaccination rates in the province are a concern, as measles vaccination rates among children are below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks, with at least 10% of children unvaccinated for measles, mumps, and rubella. [1][4] Public health officials urge people, especially those born after 1970 who may be under-vaccinated, to get vaccinated. Clinics have been offered in Sussex to facilitate access to free vaccinations. [1][4]
No specific recent travel history has been detailed in the latest reports related to the two confirmed cases in Sussex. However, it is common in outbreaks that travel or movement of infected individuals can be a factor in spread, given the broader multijurisdictional outbreak starting in the province last year. [2][4]
Dr. Kimberley Barker, the regional medical officer of health for Sussex, stated that there could be more infected people in the area. On Tuesday, officials announced three confirmed infections and five probable cases in Sussex, N.B., bringing the total number of confirmed measles cases in the south-central region of New Brunswick to five. [3]
Despite the ongoing outbreak, the ages of the people with confirmed or probable cases of measles have not been disclosed, citing privacy. [1] The public health officials encourage monitoring symptoms and self-isolation if exposed. [1][2][4]
- To curb the ongoing measles outbreak in New Brunswick, public health officials have emphasized the importance of preventive health-and-wellness practices, particularly vaccination, as low vaccination rates among children may be contributing to the continued spread of the disease.
- The current measles outbreak, particularly in the south-central region of New Brunswick, is linked to chronic medical-conditions, such as low vaccination rates, which make populations more susceptible to infectious diseases.
- Science plays a crucial role in managing health crises like the measles outbreak in New Brunswick, as liaisons between public health officials, medical professionals, and researchers collaborate to identify disease patterns, prevent further spread, and develop appropriate strategies to address this and other public health concerns.
