OTTAWA -- Newly published government data suggests the vast majority of the 26,000 Syrian refugees who had arrived in Canada by the end of last month came healthy.
Only 10 were sent to hospital upon landing for possible communicable diseases, while 54 were sent for other urgent medical reasons.
None of the refugees tested positive for HIV or syphilis and there were only two possible cases of non-infectious tuberculosis.
The data appears in the latest version of the Canadian Communicable Disease Report, published by the Public Health Agency of Canada, and is the first comprehensive look at the Syrian newcomers.
The agency reviewed the medical exams refugees underwent before being accepted to Canada and the screening they received on arrival.
It noted that while there were no major public health concerns, it will take time for chronic conditions and mental-health concerns to present themselves and health care professionals need to remain vigilant.
