Leprosy diagnosed on Olympic security cruise ship

Health officials confirmed on Friday a crew member has a case of leprosy aboard a cruise ship anchored in the city's harbour that houses police and Canadian Forces personnel providing security for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is curable and is not considered highly contagious, said provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall. He said the young crew member worked in the engine room and did not have contact with police or military.

The crew member, who is not a Canadian citizen, was diagnosed on Thursday and has received treatment, he said.



"I think he's gone home or is on his way home," Kendall said, pointing out that the risk of passing the disease to others was very low.

"The only risk is if the person had close personal contact," Kendall said, adding B.C. only sees one or two cases a year of leprosy. He said all other crew members were examined by doctors and given a dose of antibiotic as a precaution. No further cases were detected, he said.

Still, anyone aboard the ship concerned about the risk of contracting the disease is asked to talk to their occupational health doctor.