One person in Toronto’s shelter system has tested positive for monkeypox, the city has confirmed.
A spokesperson for the City of Toronto, which operates shelters and accommodation for people experiencing homelessness, confirmed the case.
The individual was moved to an isolation and recovery facility, a system first established during the COVID-19 pandemic to stop the spread of the coronavirus in groups.
Read more: Toronto dancer opens up about excruciating pain, isolation and stigma of monkeypox infection
“This location will also house clients who require isolation due to monkeypox,” the city said.
Toronto Public Health says monkeypox is “a rare viral illness that causes fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue, followed by a rash on the person’s body.”
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It is usually spread through close contact.
Read more: Public Health Ontario reports 367 confirmed cases of monkeypox
Between May 20 and July 28, 367 cases of monkeypox were reported in Ontario. The average age of the persons is 39 years, and 99.5% of the cases are among men.
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A total of 291 confirmed and probable cases were reported in Toronto during that time, according to data from Public Health Ontario.
The City of Toronto said anyone in their shelter system with COVID-19 or monkeypox will be asked to self-isolate, potentially in a hotel shelter space.
Read more: Almost 6,000 get monkeypox vaccine in Toronto
Toronto Public Health and the city’s housing department are working to determine the viability of a monkeypox vaccination program in shelters, the city said.
Monkeypox vaccine clinics have previously been set up targeting high-risk people, including bathroom workers.
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