PHAC Statement On The Saskatchewan Patient In Isolation

Credit WHO

 

# 8401

 

Canada’s Public Health Agency has posted the following statement regarding the negative test findings on a `suspected’ imported case of Ebola in a person who had recently returned from Western Africa. 

 

Word of his negative results had been announced earlier today (see Crofsblog  Canada: Sick man in Saskatoon tests negative for Ebola, but we now have an `official statement’.

 

The cause of this person’s illness remains undetermined, but he has tested negative for the most worrisome types of viral hemorrhagic fever (Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever).

 

 

Statement from the Deputy Chief Public Health Officer

Saskatchewan Illness

Ottawa, ON

Last night, the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory confirmed that the patient in Saskatchewan does not have Ebola, Lassa, Marburg or Crimean Congo virus. Testing continues to diagnose the patient’s illness.

The risk to Canadians remains very low. In addition, the ruling out of those four hemorrhagic viruses significantly reduces the risk to the people who have been in close contact with the patient while the patient has exhibited symptoms.

To be clear, there are no confirmed cases of Ebola or any other hemorrhagic viruses in Canada. In fact, there has never been a confirmed case of a hemorrhagic virus in this country.

If a case were ever confirmed in Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada would alert Canadians immediately and put measures in place to protect the public.

Thank you

Contacts

Michael Bolkenius
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 957-2983

 

Public Health Canada also released this travel advisory on the Ebola outbreak in Western Africa yesterday.

 

Ebola Outbreak in Guinea

Released: March 24, 2014

Travel Health Notice

The Ministry of Health of Guinea has notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of a rapidly evolving outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever in forested areas in south eastern Guinea. As of March 22, 2014, a total of 49 cases have been reported, of which 29 were fatal.

Cases have been reported in Guekedou, Macenta, Nzerekore and Kissidougou districts. In addition, in Conakry three suspected cases, including two deaths, are under investigation. Four health care workers are among the victims. Reports of suspected cases in border areas of Liberia and Sierra Leone are being investigated.

The Ministry of Health of Guinea together with the WHO and other partners have initiated measures to control the outbreak and prevent further spread. WHO does not recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied to Guinea in relation to this outbreak.

Ebola haemorrhagic fever is a rare and severe viral disease. The virus can infect both humans and non-human primates (monkeys, gorillas, etc.). When infected, people can get very sick, with fever and pains, and may bleed from different parts of the body (i.e., haemorrhage).

Although the risk is low for most travellers, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends travellers in Guinea avoid direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of a person or corpse infected with the Ebola virus. Also, avoid contact with or handling an animal suspected of having Ebola haemorrhagic fever.

Recommendations

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.

1. Avoid direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids of people with Ebola haemorrhagic fever or unknown illnesses.
   • Avoid direct contact with bodies of people who died of Ebola haemorrhagic fever or unknown illnesses.
   • Avoid unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person or a person recovering from Ebola haemorrhagic fever.
   • Avoid contact with any objects, such as needles, that have been contaminated with blood or bodily fluids.
   • Health care workers should practise strict infection control measures including the use of personal protective equipment (i.e., gowns, masks, goggles and gloves).
2. Avoid close contact with or handling of wild animals.
   • The following animals may be carriers: chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope, pigs, porcupines, duikers and fruit bats.
   • Remember, both live and dead animals can spread the virus.
   • Avoid handling wild meat.
3. Know the symptoms of Ebola haemorrhagic fever and see a health care provider if they develop.
   • Seek medical attention immediately, if a fever and any other symptoms arise during or after travel.
   • Be sure to tell your healthcare provider that you have travelled to a region where Ebola haemorrhagic fever was present.