A Canadian soldier in Sierra Leone was quarantined after it was learned they had been living in close quarters with a British soldier who tested positive for the Ebola virus this week.
The Department of National Defence says a “Canadian Armed Forces member shared accommodations with the affected UK member, but had no physical contact with the member after the symptoms presented.”
As a precautionary measure the Canadian soldier was placed in isolation. The soldier has shown no symptoms of Ebola, and will return to duty and ‘self-monitor’ over the coming weeks.
“It has been determined that the Canadian Armed Forces Member is at very low risk of infection,” the department said in an emailed response.
A British military health care worker in Sierra Leone who tested positive for Ebola has been transferred back to Britain for specialized treatment at the isolation unit at the Royal Free Hospital in London. Two other UK health care workers are also being brought back to Britain for assessment as a precaution.
“The safety of the person and health practitioners is of paramount importance. If it is determined that the best outcome will be delivered through medical evacuation, then this will take place,” said Ashley Lemire, Communications advisor with the Department of National Defence.
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