A growing number of young people in the Canadian province of New Brunswick are suffering from a mysterious progressive neurological disorder, a whistleblower has told The Guardian.
The illness, which can cause serious cognitive and physical problems, has been under investigation since early last year, with the official number of cases unchanged at 48 since it was first reported. However, an employee at Vitalité Health Network, one of the province's two health authorities, told The Guardian that this figure is growing and that "young adults with no prior health triggers are developing a catalog of troubling symptoms, including rapid weight loss, insomnia, hallucinations, difficulty thinking, and limited mobility."
As many as 150 people may now be affected, the paper reported on Sunday. Further, at least nine cases have been recorded in which two people in close contact, but without genetic links, have developed symptoms, suggesting that environmental factors may be involved, The Guardian writes.
Despite efforts by New Brunswick to quell fears, the news report states that experts familiar with the situation are concerned, particularly due to the age of the patients and resistance by province officials to explore possible environmental causes.