Ebola virus, Fort MacMurray

With the Ebola virus constantly on the news, and the fact that a man in the USA was recently diagnosed with this often deadly disease, could Ebola come to Fort MacMurray? This virus may be considered one of the scariest because of the symptoms experienced and the sometimes very high mortality rate. Until recently the virus has been restricted to certain parts of the world and North America has not had reason to worry. That has changed some today. In the USA there has been a confirmed case of Ebola in Texas, and the patient reported to the local Emergency Room with viral symptoms. Even after the patient explained that he had arrived on US soil recently from Liberia, and with the symptoms identified, the patient was released and sent home. 6 days later the patient required an ambulance because his condition worsened, and it was at this point that the Ebola virus was identified.

The risk of Ebola infection to Fort MacMurray resident and Wood Buffalo areas is small according to Dr. Gregory Taylor, who is the chief public health officer for Canada. “The risk to Canadians remains very low.” Border agents on the Canadian border have been well trained, and these agents are questioning all new arrivals in the country who come from West Africa. Any travelers who report feeling ill or who show any signs of Ebola are quarantined immediately. In addition the Canadian government has a supply of the medications needed if any travelers do test positive for the Ebola virus.