UMVA has learned that a Canadian individual, who recently returned from East Africa, is being tested for the Ebola virus in Ontario, sparking concerns about a possible outbreak in Canada.
The person, who is currently hospitalized, is undergoing testing "out of an abundance of caution" due to their recent travel history, according to a statement from an Ontario Ministry of Health spokesperson.
All necessary infection prevention and control measures are in place, and at this time, Ontario does not have any confirmed cases of Ebola, the spokesperson emphasized.
Global Affairs Canada has issued a travel health notice warning Canadians to avoid traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly the Ituri province, where cases linked to this outbreak have been reported.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has assured that consular officials are ready to provide assistance to Canadians affected by the outbreak, while the Public Health Agency of Canada remains committed to supporting global efforts to combat Ebola virus disease.
There are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola that has been spreading in the DRC and Uganda, leaving health experts and authorities on high alert.
According to the World Health Organization, the recent outbreak has claimed 139 lives with over 600 suspected cases flagged, and may have started months ago in Central Africa, going undetected until a super-spreader event on May 5.
The strain of Ebola was identified in blood samples on May 15, and health experts are using social media posts to reconstruct the recent progress of the virus, raising concerns about the potential for further spread.
