The Canadian Public Health Agency (PHAC) says it has now confirmed a total of 16 cases of monkeypox in the country, all in Quebec.
The latest update on the spread of the viral disease came in a statement released Wednesday night.
The statement said the Canadian National Microbiological Laboratory continues to receive samples from a number of jurisdictions for verification testing.
“Currently, cases of monkeypox are being identified and treated by local health clinics,” the statement said.
“There is ongoing planning with provinces and territories to provide access to approved vaccines in Canada that, if necessary, can be used to control monkeypox in their jurisdiction.
PHAC says it has given Quebec a small shipment of Imvamune measles vaccine from Canada’s National Strategic Emergency Reserve, and other jurisdictions may receive some delivery.
In April, Canada for Public Services and Public Procurement launched a tender for the purchase of 500,000 doses of Imvamune vaccine between 2023 and 2028.
There is currently no need for mass immunizations, say the PHAC.
“I know Canadians are concerned,” Duclos said in a statement Tuesday. “The Government of Canada is ready to respond to emerging public health developments and take precautions to prevent the introduction and spread of communicable diseases.
The National Laboratory received its first samples in the week of May 16, before announcing the first two cases of monkeypox identified in Quebec on May 19. That number rose to five the next day.
Since then, other possible cases of monkeypox have emerged in Canada. Toronto’s public health authorities said Wednesday they had identified two new alleged cases in the city, along with a possible case that is currently under investigation.
Monkeypox is a rare disease that was first discovered among colonies of monkeys used for research. Historically, it has also been transmitted from animals to humans, with the first human case reported in 1970. The virus can be spread through close contact with an infected animal, human or infected material.
The federal government is ready to help provinces and territories develop their own tools to test the disease to make it easier to monitor, Duclos said.
“Our monitoring system works, as does our testing system, although we will continue to improve both, including assisting provinces and territories in building their own testing facilities so that cases can be identified and tracked further. “Effective,” Duclos said in a statement.
The government will also provide updated guidelines for infection prevention, as well as isolation and case management procedures. Canadians can expect the National Immunization Advisory Committee (NACI) to provide further guidance in the coming weeks.
In his statement, Duclos stressed that the appearance of monkeypox is not the same as COVID-19, which quickly grew into a global pandemic.
“I want to reiterate to Canadians that this is a different situation from the one we saw with the advent of COVID-19,” Duclos said in a statement. “While the global understanding of the smallpox virus is still evolving, we have a stockpile of vaccines that we will certainly maintain and work hand in hand with our provincial and territorial counterparts to develop our response plan as soon as possible. “
In an effort to avoid contracting the disease, Canadians are advised to physically distance themselves from the people around them, wash their hands frequently and wear masks in crowded environments.
With files from CTV News and The Canadian Press
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