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Concerns over a mysterious brain illness in New Brunswick have resurfaced following allegations from a prominent federal scientist, who claims he was prevented from further investigating the condition.

The bizarre illness, allegedly affecting over 200 people based on latest data, has been linked to severe neurological symptoms such as drooling and the sensation of bugs crawling on the skin.

Michael Coulthart, a microbiologist and federal lead in a previous investigation into the illness, revealed his concerns in leaked emails to a colleague, which were obtained by the Guardian. Coulthart expressed his belief that the issue was politically motivated and stressed the need for further investigation.

"... My scientific opinion is that there is something real going on in [New Brunswick] that absolutely cannot be explained by the bias or personal agenda of an individual neurologist," Coulthart wrote. He noted that the number of cases, now exceeding 200, suggests a more significant underlying issue.

In 2021, New Brunswick health officials reported that over 40 residents were experiencing symptoms similar to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and degenerative brain disorder. However, an independent oversight committee concluded a year later that the patients were likely misdiagnosed and were actually suffering from known illnesses, such as cancer and dementia.

The oversight committee also questioned the work of neurologist Dr. Alier Marrero, who had identified the initial cases. Despite the committee's findings, Coulthart's emails suggest ongoing concern among senior scientists at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) about the illness's cause and symptoms, which predominantly affect younger individuals.

Coulthart claimed he was "essentially cut off" from the investigation, indicating that political reasons might have influenced this decision. He suggested that environmental exposure might be triggering or accelerating neurodegenerative syndromes, a theory he feels has been overlooked due to its complexity.

"I believe the truth will assert itself in time, but for now all we can do ... is continue to collect information on the cases that come to us as suspect prion disease," Coulthart wrote.

The New Brunswick health department did not directly address Coulthart's claims but stated that since May 2023, they had only received 29 complete notifications from Dr. Marrero, which are being reviewed. They reported not receiving similar notifications from other physicians.

Dr. Marrero, who previously worked closely with Coulthart, has pushed for environmental testing, suspecting glyphosate involvement. He declined to comment on the recent emails, directing inquiries to the provincial health authority.

Patients affected by the illness have voiced their frustrations over the perceived lack of government response. One young woman described how her condition has deteriorated and how she has received no support since the province's final report. She now suffers from muscle tremors, poor coordination, and memory loss, making everyday tasks challenging.

"Politicians don't want to acknowledge there is something serious going on because then they need to address it," she said. "I don't recognize myself on the inside."

Amid ongoing debate, patients and advocates continue to call for a renewed investigation and support, urging authorities to address the true nature of this debilitating illness.