New Brunswick: Initial Data Analysis Phase Complete in Investigation of Mystery Brain Illness
Results submitted to the PHAC for scientific review
New Brunswick’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health has completed the initial data analysis phase of its investigation of undiagnosed neurological illness and submitted the results to the Public Health Agency of Canada for scientific review.
“Having the findings reviewed, both internally and by the Public Health Agency of Canada, will ensure we come out of this process with a robust understanding of what the data is telling us,” said Dr. Yves Léger, the chief medical officer of health. “This will help us determine what needs to happen next to support affected patients and their families.”
The investigation started in 2021, when the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health studied a group of 48 patients with a range of neurological symptoms. The investigation found no evidence of a common illness, and a report was issued on Feb. 24, 2022.
In early 2023, the referring neurologist raised new concerns to the office, including more patients reporting unusual symptoms. Since then, the office and the Vitalité Health Network have been working together, with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada, to assist the neurologist in collecting and verifying the patient information needed for further investigation.
The main purpose of this current investigation is to further understand concerns brought forward by the physician regarding elevated levels of certain environmental substances.
Officials at the Public Health Agency of Canada will review the data analysis and provide formal feedback to the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
“While we know New Brunswickers are eager see the results of the analysis, we will wait until the scientific review is completed before sharing findings as part of the final report,” said Léger. “The process underway will ensure we have confidence in the findings from this work.”
Toll-free information line launched
The government has launched a new information line (1-866-506-9355) to support New Brunswickers during this investigation.
“As we continue with our investigation, we are also taking steps to support patients and their families,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “This new service will offer another method of providing important information about our work, along with mental health support for those who need it.”
From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the line will provide callers with general information about the investigation and its status. This service is another option for people who have difficulty accessing the same information online.
Mental health support on the phone line will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provided by a team of trained clinicians.
The investigation is expected to be completed by summer, at which time the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health will release its report and recommendations on next steps.
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