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The World Health Organization has called monkeypox a global health emergency, but Brantford-Brant has only recorded one case of the virus.
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From the same family as smallpox, monkeypox is often milder with flu-like symptoms that include fever, headache, chills, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes. A rash may appear on the face, but it may spread to other parts of the body a few days after symptoms appear.
The Brant County Health Unit is offering the second of two monkeypox vaccination clinics for at-risk community members on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
So far, 15 hours have been recorded, and in the first clinic on July 21, the vaccine was given to only two clients.
Based on Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines, at-risk populations are identified as people aged 18 and over who are transgender or cisgender, identify as male and belong to the gay, bisexual and other male community who do sex with men community.
In addition, at least one of the following eligibility conditions for vaccination is required:
- Identify as a contact a person who has recently tested positive for monkeypox
- You have had two or more sexual partners in the past 21 days or may plan to
- have visited sex clubs, baths or other places for sexual contact in the past 21 days, including workers and volunteers at such places
- You have had anonymous or casual sex in the last 21 days
- You have engaged or plan to engage in sex work
- have been diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis infection in the past two months
The health unit says the virus does not usually spread easily between people, but it can occur as a result of intimate or sexual contact with an infected individual, direct contact with skin lesions or scabs from monkeypox, or prolonged face-to-face contact with an infected individual that results in respiratory transmission. The virus can also be acquired through contact with bedding, towels or clothing used by an infected person.
The health unit continues to monitor the situation and may offer other clinics in the future if warranted.
A monkeypox vaccination reservation form is available online at bchu.org/monkeypox or by calling the Brant County Health Department at 519-753-4937.
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