The local health unit is closely monitoring its region following the confirmation of a monkeypox case in the Peterborough area.
“The monkeypox virus has been circulating in Ontario for several weeks. We expected it to arrive in our region, and we are ready to support case and contact efforts, ”said Dr. Thomas Pigott, Public Health Officer at Peterborough. “Monkeypox does not spread easily among humans; however, we recommend that everyone be aware of the signs and symptoms of the virus and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms occur. ”
Monkeypox is a viral disease that occurs mainly in countries in Central and West Africa. Recently, cases of monkeypox have been found in other countries where it is not commonly observed, including Canada.
“Our experience with COVID-19 and the recent rise in monkeypox cases underscore the risk of infectious diseases appearing and spreading rapidly around the world. We need to be vigilant and continue to take precautions to stay safe, ”said Halliburton, Cavarta, a health care professional in the Pine Ridge area, Dr. Natalie Bocking.
In its June 27 update, Public Health Ontario reported 67 confirmed cases of monkeypox. The majority (80.6%) are reported by Toronto Public Health; however, public health units in Ottawa, Halton, Middlesex-London, Durham, Haldimand-Norfolk, Peel, Simco-Muskoka, Wellington-Dufferin-Gelf and the aforementioned Peterborough also reported cases. All confirmed cases were men with a mean age of 38 years.
To date (June 27), no local cases have been detected in Cavarta Lakes, Halliburton County or Northumberland County.
Smallpox is a virus that can spread between animals and humans and from person to person through close, direct contact.
While monkeypox is in the same family as smallpox, it is less contagious and includes milder symptoms. Usually, a person can get monkeypox through intimate skin-to-skin contact or through respiratory droplets from an infected individual. Humans usually develop symptoms five to 21 days after being exposed to the monkeypox virus.
Symptoms may include a rash or blisters in the mouth and around the genitals, swollen lymph nodes, fever and chills, muscle aches, headache and exhaustion.
Anyone who has symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. The symptoms of monkeypox can be managed and humans usually recover within two to four weeks.
A prophylactic vaccine is also available before or after exposure.
“The HKPR District Health Unit is closely monitoring monkeypox cases and contacts in our region, especially with the virus circulating in other parts of Ontario. “We are ready to respond and work with our healthcare partners to manage all cases of monkeypox that can be found in our region,” said Bocking.
For more information or guidance, contact the health unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1232 or email info@hkpr.on.ca.
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