Canadian health officials reported Wednesday that three people in Ontario who were in contact with pet rats have tested positive for Seoul virus.
In addition, Some rats in Ontario have also tested positive for Seoul virus.
Health officials in Canada is closely monitoring an outbreak of Seoul virus associated with pet rats in the United States, and is working with provincial partners to investigate a link to pet rats in Canada.
According to Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. David Williams, no serious health problems have been reported.
As of last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported investigating an outbreak of Seoul virus infection that has recently infected 16 people in 9 states.
Seoul virus is not spread from person to person. The risk of getting infected with Seoul virus in Canada is considered low. However, anyone who comes into contact with rats carrying Seoul virus is at risk. Even healthy people can get infected and become seriously ill.
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