The Opposition continues to demand answers from the province surrounding the mystery brain illness.
Liberal Health Critic JC D’Amours says every available investigative resource should be used to identify what is causing this disease and what measures can be taken to combat it
They reference an article from the independent Canadian news journal The Walrus that claims that the New Brunswick government has actively interfered with the national working group of epidemiological investigators assembled to investigate the disease and its origins in an unexplainable attempt to shut down their efforts.
D’Amours says, “The Minister of Health owes the families of loved ones afflicted with the mysterious
neurological disease and explanation. Why would we replace a group of experts with specific
expertise in epidemiology with people who do not have the same level of medical expertise?”
A statement from Public Health Spokesperson Bruce Macfarlene says, “Public Health and the provincial government have been following the investigation process properly. As with this current investigation into a possible potential neurological syndrome of unknown cause, outbreaks occurring in a single jurisdiction are managed by provincial/territory officials as per the established protocols or agreements for the respective jurisdiction. At times, Public Health has consulted other officials in other jurisdictions.”
He adds, “Public Health immediately launched a two-part investigation into a potential neurological syndrome of unknown cause. An epidemiological investigation has been completed and the results will be made publicly shortly. A clinical review by an oversight committee, made up of six neurologists, continues and will provide a professional second opinion to ensure due diligence and rule out other plausible diagnoses is expected to be completed by early in the New Year.
The Minister of Health has promised full public updates when new information is made available. The Minister recently stated she will provide an update prior to the Legislative Assembly returning on November 2.
Forty-eight cases of the mystery neurological syndrome are currently under investigation, including six deaths. Public Health says most of the individuals under investigation were living in the southeastern and northeastern regions of New Brunswick, around the Acadian Peninsula and Moncton areas.
