Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer on the Crisis in Southeast Asia

The earthquakes and tidal waves in South and Southeast Asia have had a devastating impact on the region. As the full scope of this tragedy continues to unfold, the Public Health Agency of Canada is offering its support and expertise in dealing with the very serious public health implications of this disaster.

Assisting International Relief Efforts

The Public Health Agency is currently focussed on working with international agencies such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations to determine what types of specific assistance Canada can provide to supplement their efforts.

We anticipate that there will be a need for public health experts to assist in public health surveillance, assessment and response. The Agency has been in discussion with several provinces and territories on this matter. These discussions continue and, if necessary, the Agency will coordinate with the provinces and territories to provide expertise based on the requirements these agencies define.

Further to these efforts, the Public Health Agency, along with Health Canada, is immediately sending experts to the region and we expect to send more needed personnel in the days to come. This staff, once on the ground, will act as special advisors and will be vital in determining what additional assistance is required.

Containing the Spread of Infectious Diseases

In disaster situations, the possibility of local waterborne or mosquito-borne epidemics is high. In any epidemic, those with weakened immune systems will be at greater risk of serious infection. The priority right now is on ensuring safe water supplies within the region to reduce infections.

To minimise the risk to Canadians, the Public Health Agency of Canada will continue to monitor health in the affected countries and in people returning from the affected regions, as well as maintaining our national surveillance programs.

In Canada, the national severe respiratory illness surveillance instituted during the 2003/2004 flu season is also designed to identify people with other emerging severe respiratory infections, including new influenza viruses.

Quarantine Officers continue to remain vigilant in their surveillance for illness in all travellers, from Asia and worldwide, who are exhibiting respiratory problems or other symptoms of infectious diseases.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to maintain Quarantine Services at the Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Ottawa international airports. These airports handle the vast majority of international flights. Quarantine Officers on site at these airports provide health assessments for international travellers who are identified to be ill.

The Public Health Agency of Canada provides travel advice related to specific health issues through its Travel Medicine Program. Given that it takes several weeks for people to develop immunity from most vaccines (typhoid, hepatitis A), the current emphasis is on ensuring safe water supplies within the region.

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