19 Feb 2010
Heath officials in B.C. confirm that a crew member aboard one of the cruise ships housing Olympic security forces has been diagnosed with leprosy.
The crew member of the Statendam was diagnosed Thursday, a release from the B.C. Health Ministry said Friday.
"There is no public health risk associated with this case and the crew member, who did not work in a service or passenger support role, is undergoing treatment," the release said.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is curable and is not considered highly contagious.
"The worker had no contact with law enforcement or Canadian Forces personnel on board the ship, and they are not considered at any risk, nor are the public at risk. The chances of passing the disease to others are low," the release said.
About 10 or 15 cases a year are diagnosed in Canada, according to Dr. Bonnie Henry of the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control.
Henry said the condition is easily treated with antibiotics and a person is considered non-contagious as soon as they start the medication.
The worker's nationality was not released but the person has been sent back to their country of origin for treatment.
More than 5,000 RCMP, police and Canadian Forces personnel have been billeted on three cruise ships in the port of Vancouver.
The ships are ocean-going vessels that are usually part of the tourist industry that spend much time in tropical locations, where leprosy is more common.
The ships have been leased from Carnival Corporation's Holland America and Carnival Cruise Lines for a reported $76 million.
CBC News
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