A Canadian who recently visited Nigeria is being held in isolation at
Brampton Civic Hospital in Ontario for showing symptoms of the Ebola
Virus Disease.
According to a Canadian public health official, the patient was
reported to be showing initial symptoms of Ebola which were similar to
more common diseases, such as malaria.
Dr. Eileen de Villa of Peel Public Health toldThe GlobeandMailthat
"infection prevention and control measures" had been put in place at
the hospital because a patient "with a recent travel history to
Nigeria" had shown symptoms similar to the Ebola fever and other
flu-like symptoms.
Dr. de Villa said she received information from her colleagues at
Brampton Civic Hospital and representatives from the Ministry of
Health and Long-Term Care.
She added that the hospital would be working with public health
laboratories to confirm a diagnosis.
"Any subsequent actions will of course depend on what the ultimate
diagnosis is," she said.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has advised Canadians to avoid all
non-essential travel to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone due to the
outbreak, but issued a statement, saying the risk of Ebola to Canada
is very low.
It said travellers to Nigeria should practise special precautions such
as avoiding direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids of
people with Ebola virus or unknown illnesses, among other steps.
Similarly, according to a statement issued by Canada's Minister of
International Development, Christian Paradis, the country is offering
additional support to help fight the growing EVD outbreak in West
Africa.
Paradis said, "Canada is gravely concerned by the rapidly expanding
Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the impact it is having on the
families in the region as well as the health care workers on the
ground assisting them.
"Our thoughts remain with all of those affected. Through both funding
and personnel, Canada will continue to help get aid to those who need
it as quickly as possible."
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