VANCOUVER – Though a crew member aboard a cruise ship housing police assigned to the Olympics has leprosy, government officials said the public at the Games is not at risk.
On Friday, the British Columbia government confirmed the case of leprosy on the ship, where police and Canadian Forces have been living. But those personnel had no contact with the infected crew member, provincial health officials said.
"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 B.C. government said in a release.
"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."
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is curable and is not considered highly contagious.
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