The Halton County Public Health said it had confirmed its first reported case of the monkeypox virus.
“The person is currently in isolation at home and all contacts have been notified by the Halton County Public Health,” a media statement said Wednesday afternoon.
CBC Hamilton contacted the Public Health Department for further comment.
This comes as the country has seen at least 100 cases, including some in Toronto.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include:
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Low energy.
- Muscle pain.
- Skin rash, usually on the face, palms and soles, or lesions.
The rash usually starts a day or two after a fever, the public health department said.
Lesions, which can range from a few to thousands, can be flat or slightly raised with clear or yellowish fluid before crusts form and fall off like chickenpox.
“While most people infected with monkeypox will have mild symptoms, some people, such as children, pregnant women and those with immunodeficiency, are at higher risk of serious illness,” said Halton Medical Officer Dr. Hamida Megani.
The death rate from monkeypox is currently about one percent, according to public health.
How does monkeypox spread?
Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
It can be spread through close contact, including airborne droplets, skin-to-skin contact, or if someone touches contaminated surfaces such as clothing or bedding.
Spread can also be through bites or scratches from infected animals.
“When you seek medical help, you have to wear a high-quality medical mask and cover up all the lesions,” Megani said.
The Department of Public Health said symptoms could begin within five to 21 days of exposure to monkeypox, but usually appear within 6 to 13 days.
A person can be infected five days before the rash appears and until new skin forms on the cleared rash.
Practicing physical distancing, masking, and good hand hygiene can reduce the risk of exposure to monkeypox, according to the Department of Public Health.
How do you treat it?
In fact, there are no treatment options. The symptoms eventually go away on their own in two weeks to a month.
People who have been exposed to monkeypox may receive the Imvamune smallpox vaccine, which can prevent infection or reduce the severity of symptoms.
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