First probable Quebec case of COVID-19 found in Montreal

‘We’ve been very vigilant. There is no cause for concern,’ Mccann says

Quebec health officials have disclosed the province’s first probable case of the novel coronavirus, COVID -19, in Montreal.

The patient, a Montreal-area woman, had just returned from a trip to Iran via Doha, Qatar, Monday when she went to a medical clinic that same evening because of “mild” symptoms, Quebec Health Minister Danielle Mccann said. Her condition did not require hospitalization, the minister said — though numerous reports said she underwent tests at Verdun Hospital before being released.

The patient is now in voluntary isolation at home and is “doing fine,” Mccann told reporters Thursday evening at a hastily called news conference in Montreal.

The woman did not go to work after her return from Iran nor did she take public transit, Dr. Yves Jalbert, deputy head of the provincial public health protection agency, told reporters by phone from Quebec City during the same news conference.

“The detection of this case shows our system is efficient, it’s reliable and our treatment protocols are well established,” Mccann said.

Results of tests done Tuesday came back Thursday, Jalbert said. Another analysis of the samples now needs to be performed at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for official confirmation, Mccann said. Results of that analysis will be known Sunday.

“We have been very vigilant as a government,” Mccann said. “We have been investigating many people. The system has worked very well. So I want to say to the population that we are ready, the network is ready. All the measures that are necessary to really protect the population, protect the workers and take care of the patients are there.”

Added Mccann: “There is no cause for concern.”

Mccann reiterated that four Quebec hospitals will be used to treat infected patients who need to be admitted. They are the Jewish General and Ste-justine’s in Montreal, the Centre hospitalier de l’université Laval and the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute in Quebec City.

As of 8 p.m. Thursday evening, 21 people were under investigation for the coronavirus in Quebec, the health ministry said on its website. Another 79 so far have tested negative.

Canada’s chief public health officer is urging Canadians to prepare for a possible outbreak of the coronavirus.

“We can all take simple actions to protect ourselves and others from getting sick. Washing our hands frequently, covering our coughs and sneezes — and staying home when sick,” Dr. Theresa Tam told reporters Thursday.

“You can prepare by having enough of your medications on hand, making a plan for the care of children or other dependents if you or someone you care for becomes ill. Speak to your employer about alternative work arrangements and connect with your family, neighbours, community to find support.”

Here’s what you need to know.

Q What are coronaviruses?

A They are a family of viruses. The most recently discovered one causes a coronavirus disease that has been dubbed COVID-19. It was first reported in Wuhan, China.

Q How contagious is it?

A “Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. “Currently, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people.”

Q How deadly is it?

A Those who have been infected have experienced symptoms ranging from mild to severe. A study published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a mortality rate of 2.3 per cent. The rate varied by age. No deaths occurred in the group aged nine years and younger. Among those 70 to 79 years old, the rate was eight per cent, and in those 80 and older, the mortality rate was 14.8 per cent. By comparison, the seasonal flu has an overall mortality rate of about 0.1 per cent.

Q Who is most at risk?

A Older people and those with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems.

Q How many cases have there been?

As of Thursday afternoon, it had been detected in 47 countries, including Canada, the World Health Organization says. There have been more than 82,000 confirmed cases, including 2,800 deaths. There have been no deaths in Canada.

Q Are there any confirmed cases in Quebec?

A No confirmed coronavirus cases have been reported in Quebec, the health department says, but Montreal’s first suspected case was reported Thursday night. As of Thursday afternoon, 15 people were being monitored in the province. Quebec’s public health director says the risk of Quebecers contracting the disease is low.

Q What is the risk to travellers?

A It’s “generally low” for Canadian travellers abroad, but it varies by country, Health Canada says. Check the federal travel advisory website for information about individual countries. As of Thursday, there are coronavirus travel health notices for China, Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, northern Italy, Singapore and South Korea.

Q How is it diagnosed?

A A health care professional diagnoses coronavirus infections based on symptoms. In Quebec, laboratory tests by the Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec are required to confirm the diagnosis.

Q What happens if a case turns up in Quebec?

A If a case is confirmed, provincial health officials say, the risk of transmission in the community would remain low. Health professionals “have access to tools to quickly identify a suspected coronavirus case and to ensure it is adequately managed and rapid application of the necessary prevention and control measures,” the provincial government says. Public health authorities “will immediately conduct an investigation to identify people in contact with the infected person.”

If a Quebecer confirmed to have coronavirus requires hospitalization, they will be taken care of in one of four hospitals with expertise in infectious diseases. For adults, they are the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal and the Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie in Quebec City. Children would be hospitalized at the Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-justine in Montreal or the Centre hospitalier universitaire de l’université Laval in Quebec City.

Q What are the symptoms?

A Some people show no symptoms. Those who have coronavirus may not realize it, because symptoms can be similar to those of the flu. People with severe cases can show symptoms associated with pneumonia. They include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. In rare cases, the infection can lead to death.

Q How long does it take for symptoms to appear?

A Up to 14 days.

Q How is the virus spread?

A The virus — which causes nose, throat and lung infections — spreads through droplets that emerge when you cough or sneeze, as well as via touching or shaking hands. You can also contract it by touching an infected person and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

Q How can I avoid becoming infected or spreading infection?

A Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Stay one metre away from people who are ill. If you’re sick, extra precautions should be taken. Stay home. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with your arm. After using a tissue, throw it out immediately and wash your hands.

Q How is it treated?

A There is no vaccine yet. Infected patients receive care to relieve symptoms. Those with severe symptoms are hospitalized.