Dr. Jaz Atwal, the provincial deputy chief public health officer, announced this afternoon that one confirmed case of monkeypox has been identified in Manitoba. This is a first case, and due to the risk of identifying the person, information about his region of residence, gender and age is not reported.
Atwal explains that notification will be provided for close contacts as well as specific locations if the risk to others is considered high and contacts may be unknown. The public health investigation, including contact tracing, is ongoing. However, he notes, indications are that the virus was most likely contracted outside the province.
While anyone can contract the virus, Atwal says cases in Canada and around the world show that infections are mostly reported among people who self-identify as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men ( gbMSM). He adds that these persons are eligible for preventive vaccination under certain criteria.
On August 23rd, 24th and 25th from 9am to 3:30pm, vaccinations will be provided to eligible people in Winnipeg at an on-site location at 490 Hargrave St.
People who are in close contact with someone with monkeypox are reportedly still eligible for post-exposure vaccination and should contact their local public health office to make an appointment.
For additional information about the virus or immunizations, you can contact your local public health office, health care provider or Health Links-Info Santé.
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