A probable case of coronavirus has been identified in Montreal

Quebec’s first presumptive case of the COVID-19 coronavirus has been detected in Montreal.

The case has been “effectively managed” by provincial health network professionals, according to Santé Québec, and the the Direction régionale de santé publique de Montreal is working to identify people who have come in close contact with the infected person to prevent spreading the disease.

The novel coronavirus originated in the city of Wuhan, China in December 2019. The virus causes respiratory infections with symptoms that include fever, cough, and breathing trouble.

• See also:
  • 2 more presumptive cases of coronavirus confirmed in BC
  • Federal government issues India travel advisory as riot death toll rises
  • Canadians split down the middle on anti-CGL blockades: poll

At this point, Santé Québec says there have been 79 other cases that were studied and turned up negative. According to the news release, 21 other Quebecers are being investigated for symptoms.

An official confirmation will soon be issued, according to the provincial health ministry.

#COVID2019 – Le risque de transmission au Québec demeure faible. Il n’est pas recommandé de porter un masque pour se protéger. Il est préférable d’appliquer des mesures d’hygiène reconnues, comme se laver les mains. Pour plus d’info : https://t.co/hsCdtdldGJ #santéquébec pic.twitter.com/ujOkXPlk8Y

— Santé Québec (@sante_qc) February 28, 2020

In Canada, there are 13 confirmed cases of coronavirus, six in Ontario and seven in BC.

Quebec has sent the presumptive positive sample to the National Microbiology Laboratory for further testing. If confirmed by the laboratory, this would be Canada’s 14th confirmed case.