The British Columbia Centers for Disease Control has announced the first case of monkeypox in British Columbia, bringing the country’s total to almost 80.
The center says its lab has confirmed the infection in a Vancouver resident, but expects further confirmation from the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg.
A statement said Vancouver Coastal Health was monitoring the case in public health.
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On Friday, the Winnipeg lab said 77 cases of monkeypox had been confirmed in Canada, 71 in Quebec, five in Ontario and one in Alberta.
The monkeypox has been spreading around the world since May, with more than 700 cases found in countries where the disease is not common, mainly in Europe.
The BC Center says the virus can affect anyone through close human-to-human contact.
Health Minister Adrian Dix said Monday that while seeking secondary confirmation of the infection in Vancouver, there is confidence that it is monkeypox.
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“There will be more information on the details of this, but suffice it to say that the risk to the general public is low,” Dix said.
“But we want to make sure that everyone is aware and aware of this problem and is aware of all the steps that are being taken to support this person, his close contacts and the community.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 6, 2022.
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