Mysterious Neurological Syndrome in NB Never Existed, Says Public Health

Public Health New Brunswick’s final investigation report into a potential cluster of a neurological syndrome of unknown cause concluded that there is ultimately no such mysterious syndrome in New Brunswick. An oversight committee consisting of six neurologists, one co-chair from each of the regional health authorities, and one representative from Public Health, was established last June to provide independent clinical oversight and to make recommendations regarding the 48 cases that were initially identified as part of the cluster.

“There can be no doubt these patients are seriously ill,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “This report means they are ill with other serious diseases, injuries or conditions. The committee noted that some of the patients were in urgent need of immediate followup assessment and care. I am confident our province’s specialists and other health-care providers are fully capable of providing that care, but I advised the patients and their families today that they are welcome to seek a second opinion through a referral from their primary care provider.”

The clinical review established that, while that each patient displayed symptoms that varied significantly, there is no evidence of a shared common illness or a syndrome of unknown cause. Public Health released its own report, which is also available online and makes several recommendations to improve the way potential new diseases are reported and investigated.

“We have made several recommendations to ensure a situation like this does not occur again,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, Chief Medical Officer of Health

Going forward, Public Health New Brunswick may request a clinical review of cases by a second specialist physician prior to including cases in a cluster of unknown cause. Patients who were told they may have a neurological syndrome of unknown cause, or who may have a neurodegenerative disorder, should contact their primary care provider for a referral to the Moncton Interdisciplinary Neurodegenerative Diseases Clinic or another specialist physician.

“The Public Health Agency of Canada is pleased that the investigation has come to a close and supports the investigation’s findings,” said Dr. Howard Njoo, Canada’s deputy chief public health officer. “Over the course of the investigation, the Public Health Agency of Canada provided specialized diagnostic laboratory and neuropathology services and expertise to rule out prion disease, and, through the Canadian Field Epidemiology Program, deployed several epidemiologists and assisted in the development of the epidemiological questionnaire.”