New Brunswick's Zone 3 declared as measles epicenter

New Brunswick's Zone 3 has been declared a measles epicenter, including areas in Fredericton and the upper St. John River Valley. The number of measles cases here has more than doubled since last week. According to the health department, seven more cases have been confirmed since Thursday, bringing the total to twelve.

The public health agency says it is closely monitoring the situation and working with healthcare partners to reduce the risk of further spread. Measles is a highly contagious disease.

Although people born before 1970 are generally considered immune to measles, the Public Health Agency advises that individuals born after that who have not received two doses of the measles and mumps vaccine should be vaccinated.

Measles is a serious infectious disease. If a person with measles coughs or sneezes, the virus becomes airborne, potentially infecting healthy individuals.