Ebola Threat Very Low In Manitoba

Even though health officials say the threat of Ebola in Manitoba is very, very low that isn't stopping Regional Health Authorities from taking precautions just in case. That, according to Dr. Shelley Buchan, Medical Officer of Health for Southern Health-Santé Sud.

Dr. Buchan (right inset) says Ebola is a severe viral disease, with an outbreak currently occurring in several countries in Africa, particularly Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. She notes the virus does not spread easily between people as you need to be in contact with someone currently sick and close contact with bodily secretions. Dr. Buchan says it is not similar to influenza, which spreads easily between people. Dr. Buchan says there are currently no cases in Canada, there has never been a case in Manitoba and the risk here is very low.

"But everyone is on alert because of the potential for where somebody could be in those countries and traveling and returning or providing a volunteer or very specialized service in the public health response to the outbreak and returning home," she cautions.

Dr. Buchan says anyone who has travelled to one of those three countries and develops a fever within twenty-one days of having been there, should get it checked out. But she asks people to call ahead before visiting a doctor or Emergency Room.

"That allows us then to coordinate the services and be as efficient as possible for you," she says.

Dr. Buchan notes the sooner you seek medical attention, the better the outcome.

She adds Southern Health-Santé Sud is working with Manitoba Health to prepare itself. The system in place would see the RHA look after identification and triage and then transporting the patient to Winnipeg. According to Dr. Buchan, Winnipeg has a very specific unit set aside for the investigation and treatment of Ebola.

Meanwhile, in speaking with a local travel agency and Eastman Immigrant Services, it appears travel between Steinbach and West Africa is very rare.