“A Sentinel Event:” Woman In Canada Who Visited Iran Returns With Coronavirus

Canadian health authorities are reporting a surprising development: the spread of coronavirus from Iran (not China) to Canada.

The CBC reports:

A sixth person in B.C. is believed to be infected with the coronavirus, and the case is raising new questions about how the disease is spreading, health officials announced Thursday.

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The latest patient is a woman in her 30s who lives in the Fraser Health region, according to provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. She had recently returned from a trip to Iran and is now recovering at home.

Henry said officials were surprised when they learned the woman had only visited Iran, and not China or neighbouring countries that have seen the bulk of COVID-19 cases.

The patient has had contact with others since her return from Iran last week. Close family members are currently in isolation and being monitored by public health officials.

She said health officials are looking into when the patient’s symptoms started to help determine if they need to notify those who travelled with her on the same aircraft. Her diagnosis is considered presumptive until confirmed by the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg.

READ THE FULL STORY AT THE CBC