Deadly virus not limited to Natives

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The emergency of a potentially lethal virus which causes leukemia or a neurological disorder similar to multiple sclerosis continues to be monitored in British Columbia. The virus, called HTLV-1, is transmissable through sexual contact, or through needle or syringe sharing.

An item that appeared in Windspeaker Feb. 14- Feb. 27 Nation in Brief column erroneously stated that incidents of the virus were limited to Aboriginal populations.

In fact, a hospital study by Vancouver neurologist Dr. Joel Ogre was limited to eight Aboriginal cases, but there is no indication the disease affects only Aboriginals.

"There is evidence to suggest that HTLV-1 does not pose a significant health threat in Canda," said Dr. David Martin, the medical officer with Heaslth Canada.