Canada has issued a travel warning due to the spread of the rare virus.
Canada has issued second-level travel advice, urging travelers to practice enhanced health precautions outside the country due to the spread of monkeypox.
As of June 7, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reported 81 cases of monkeypox in the country; expects further cases to be reported as the investigation progresses.
Clusters of the rare virus have been reported in several countries outside Central and West Africa, where the virus is commonly found. The new cases are not related to travel to these places, which is unusual, the agency advises.
In the current epidemic, the cases involve people who have had “close or intimate contact” with someone who has the virus. However, the virus can also spread from animals to humans or from close contact with contaminated objects.
Travel Tips: Monkeypox in Canada
Similar to the COVID-19 protocol in places abroad, Canadians may be subject to health rules for monkeypox in the destinations they visit as quarantine if they become infected. In addition, they may have limited access to health care if they become ill and are late in returning home.
More than 700 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in non-endemic countries since May, with the lion’s share in Europe. Infections caused by West African fever, which tends to cause mild illness, have also been diagnosed in Canada and the United States.
PHAC works closely with international, provincial and territorial health partners to gather information on this evolving issue.
What should you do if you plan to travel?
Talk to your doctor or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel. However, keep in mind that vaccines and drugs for prevention and treatment are not commercially available for monkeypox at the moment.
You can also reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the virus by:
- travel delay and isolation if you have any symptoms of smallpox or have been diagnosed with smallpox
- practicing breathing etiquette, including covering cough and sneezing and wearing a face mask
- wash your hands often with soap and water, avoid close physical contact, including sexual contact, with people who are or appear to be ill
- avoid direct contact with their skin, body fluids, respiratory droplets or wounds on any part of the body
- avoid contact with their clothes, towels, bed linen or common items that have been contaminated
Be especially vigilant if you plan to attend a large party or mass gathering while traveling.
Symptoms of monkeypox: What to look out for on the road
It usually begins with flu-like illness and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash on the face and body. According to the BC Centers for Disease Control, symptoms appear in two stages and can last from two to four weeks.
Symptoms of monkeypox can begin five to 21 days after exposure and may include:
- fever
- chills
- swelling of the lymph nodes
- headache
- muscle pain
- joint pain
- back pain
- exhaustion
- appearance of a rash
You should report any symptoms of the virus to a healthcare professional immediately. “People who are dealing with new or multiple sexual partners should be especially vigilant,” advises PHAC.
- If you develop symptoms that could be due to monkeypox when traveling or returning, see a healthcare professional and avoid contact with others. Tell them where you have traveled or live.
- If you have symptoms that may be due to monkeypox during the flight, tell the flight attendant before landing or the border guard when entering the country. They will notify a quarantine officer who can assess your symptoms.
Examine everything you need to know about monkeypox, including the symptoms, how the virus spreads, and what BC residents need to know.
Register with the Canadian Registration Abroad Service to stay in touch with the Government of Canada in the event of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.
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