Peel Public Health has confirmed the first case of monkeypox in the region. The person is an elderly man of about 30 years living in Mississauga. The risk to society remains low.
The monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. Symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and rash / lesions (which may appear on the face or genitals and then spread to other areas).
If a person has any symptoms, they should contact their healthcare provider and avoid close contact with others until the symptoms improve and the rash / lesion (s) heals.
Monkeypox is spread by close contact with an infected individual. Most transmission occurs mainly through close contact with monkeypox lesions. The virus can be transmitted through large droplets or by sharing infected objects. Ordinary home disinfectants can kill the monkeypox virus.
Most people recover on their own without treatment. People who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for monkeypox should monitor their symptoms on their own and contact Peel Public Health to see if they qualify for vaccination.
“The risk to the community remains low,” said Dr. Kate Bingham, Peel’s medical officer. “We are working with our community partners to increase access to high-risk vaccines in Peel.
To reduce the risk of infection, residents are reminded to take precautions when engaging in intimate activities with other people. Vaccination is available for high-risk cases and for those who are considered to be at high risk of exposure to monkeypox.
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