GUELPH – The first local case of monkeypox was found in a Guelph man, but health officials say the risk to the general public remains low.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said on Friday that the case was confirmed Thursday in a man aged 20 to 30 living in Guelph.
There are still no confirmed cases of monkeypox in the Waterloo region.
Guelph Public Health completes follow-up treatment and contacts anyone else who may be at risk from this case, including those who may need vaccination against the virus.
Close contact with a positive case of monkeypox is someone who has had intimate skin-to-skin contact with the monkeypox rash or contact with the infectious droplets of the case.
“There is no increased risk of monkeypox to the general public resulting from this case,” said Assistant Medical Officer Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum.
“The virus is transmitted mainly through contact with fluid from the lesions of the virus, so it is important to be aware and take the necessary precautions if you are in intimate contact with someone who has lesions from monkeypox.
Human monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is associated with the smallpox virus. Symptoms are similar to smallpox, but less severe, including fever, headache, fatigue, and rash / lesions (which may appear on the face or genitals and then spread to other areas).
Most people recover without treatment and close contacts with a positive case can be effectively treated with a vaccine.
Guelph health officials say the public should be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and contact their doctor immediately if there are any concerns. Apart from taking steps to reduce the risk of infection, residents should not take any action related to this first case.
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