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Canadian authorities are searching for airline passengers and others who had close contact with the first person in the country detected with the coronavirus that originated in China.
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, said Sunday that the man, in his 50s, had mild symptoms while flying from Wuhan to Guangzhou, China, and then to Toronto.
The patient was admitted to hospital a day after arriving on a China Southern Airlines flight on Thursday. Authorities said Saturday the man was in stable but isolated condition.
Tam said authorities were looking for passengers who were within six feet of the man’s seat or anyone who served or assisted him.
The official added that other passengers or people at airports should not worry since the virus spreads through direct contact.
“All other passengers should remain calm,” said Tam, who assured that the risk to Canadians remains low.
The new viral disease was detected in China, where 56 people have died and nearly 2,000 people have been infected worldwide.
The United States confirmed the fifth person infected with the virus on Sundayfour of them were identified in Washington, Chicago, California and Los Angeles.
Coronaviruses cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).
SARS emerged in southern China in late 2002 and spread to more than two dozen countries, killing nearly 800 people, including 44 Canadians. (YO)
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