Newfoundland and Labrador has its first probable case of monkeypox, and the provincial government says it will begin offering the vaccine to people who are considered close contacts.
The disease is caused by the monkeypox virus, which can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or mucous membranes – the eyes, nose or mouth.
Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rosann Seviour will hold a press conference Thursday at 10 a.m. to discuss the illness.
In a news release, the health department said the virus can also “spread by sharing clothing, bedding or common items that have been contaminated with fluids or wounds of the infected person.”
The province is following the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) guidelines and offering the vaccine to asymptomatic people who are considered to have had close contact with this probable case.
In a tweet on Thursday morning, Prime Minister Andrew Fury said Public Health has a plan and is implementing it.
Newfoundland and Labrador reports its first probable case of monkeypox. Following NACI guidelines, the Imvamune vaccine is offered to close contact exposures of the probable case. Our public health team has a plan and is implementing it. pic.twitter.com/Jny9COn0wJ
— @PremierofNL
“Stay Vigilant”
Last week, the head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, declared the monkeypox epidemic a global emergency. To date, there have been more than 16,000 cases worldwide.
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, said Wednesday that while the global monkeypox outbreak is of “serious concern,” public health officials and governments have an opportunity to limit the spread.
Electron micrograph of monkeypox particles, stained blue-green, found in an infected cell, stained brown. NL now has its first suspected case of the disease. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
Tam said so far 99 percent of infected people in Canada have been men, and most cases are among men who have sex with men.
“Currently, to reduce the overall risk of contracting and spreading the monkeypox virus, PHAC recommends practicing safer sex,” Tam said.
It said as of Wednesday there were 745 cases in Canada — 346 cases in Quebec, 326 in Ontario, 58 in British Columbia, 12 in Alberta, two in Saskatchewan and one in the Yukon.
Tam said learning more about the disease, including how to recognize its symptoms, is critical in the fight against its spread.
“We must remain vigilant,” she said.
Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador
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