Ebola risk 'very low' for Canada

Photo: The Canadian Press

The risk of contracting the Ebola virus in Canada remains very low according to provincial and federal health authorities.

Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, and Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), issued the following statement regarding the Ebola outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone:

“Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic outbreak in western Africa.

“There are no confirmed cases of Ebola in Canada, and according to the Public Health Agency of Canada the risk to Canadians remains very low."

Castanet reached Health Canada which confirmed that there "never has been and is not currently any cases of Ebola in Canada."

The Ebola virus itself does not spread easily from person to person. It is not like the flu. It is spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, not through casual contact.

“All points of entry into Canada are routinely monitored, and travellers showing symptoms would be referred to quarantine officers, who have the authority to implement public health measures under the Quarantine Act to protect Canadians," said the release.

“The Government of Canada recommends that Canadians avoid all non-essential travel to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. This recommendation is designed to protect Canadian travellers and allow health officials in the affected countries to focus their resources on responding to this tragic outbreak.

Grace Kucey with Interior Health said there was no information or evidence to indicate anyone in the Okanagan or British Columbia was even being tested for the Ebola virus.

For the latest advice and more information from the Government of Canada, Canadians should consult the Government of Canada’s Travel Health Notice on the Ebola Outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Canada and its international partners are working around the clock to provide support to the affected regions.  The Government of Canada has committed $1.41 million to date, and is providing Public Health Agency of Canada experts and a mobile lab in Sierra Leone which ensures rapid and vital diagnostics to assist in the response on the ground. Canada remains the second-largest donor country towards the response efforts.

Canadians requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the nearest Government of Canada office or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre, toll-free at +1 613-996-8885 (collect call) or via email at [email protected].