A webpage is being created in an effort to keep New Brunswickers informed about an investigation into an unknown brain condition.
Forty-four cases have been identified in New Brunswick since 2015, and there have been six deaths.
Public Health Spokesperson Bruce Macfarlane says this condition was identified through the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Surveillance System
“It was through the CJDSS that the New Brunswick cluster was first discovered. The first case (from 2015) was identified retrospectively in early 2020, when existence of the cluster was first tentatively recognized. Then, a review of older files was completed on cases in which a diagnosis of CJD was suspected but then later set aside. It was only through this retrospective review that the older case was identified,” Macfarlane says.
He adds, “Although most of the cases identified thus far were living in areas in the southeastern and northeastern parts of the province, it is unknown whether geographic area is linked to the neurological condition and related symptoms. So far, our investigation has not found any evidence suggesting that the residents of these regions are more at risk than those living elsewhere in the province.”
An investigation is ongoing to identify the potential causes and strategies for treatment and prevention of the illness.
Macfarlane says, because this is still an unknown condition, they are not using words like, “diagnosed” as it relates to persons under investigation (PUI).
“It is expected that the investigation will last many weeks or months and regular updates on the investigation will be provided. We are dedicated to remaining transparent as our work progresses,” Macfarlane adds.
A webpage is currently being created and the data will be added to it in the coming weeks and updated on a regular basis.
