The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has confirmed that new cases of monkeypox have been reported in the country.
There are now 26 confirmed cases in Canada, including 25 in Quebec. The remaining case is in Ontario.
PHAC estimates that it is likely that more cases will be reported in the coming days as the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) continues to receive samples from multiple jurisdictions for confirmatory testing.
The NML also performs whole genome sequencing, an enhanced DNA fingerprinting analysis, on Canadian monkeypox samples. This sequencing should help experts understand the chains of transmission in Canada.
Recall that cases of monkeypox in humans have recently been reported in more than 20 countries. Until now, Canada had not observed any spread of this disease between humans.
Work is also underway to plan the way forward with the provinces, territories and partners to have access to authorized vaccines which, if necessary, can be used for the management of monkeypox.
Indeed, limited doses of Imvamune vaccines from Canada’s National Emergency Strategic Stockpile will be offered to jurisdictions in need of a targeted response. At this stage, it is not necessary to use the vaccine for mass vaccination.
Symptoms
PHAC clarifies that the transmission of this virus is not limited to sexual intercourse.
Early noticeable symptoms include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, back pain, and exhaustion.
At the second stage of the disease, a rash may appear. This usually takes place one to three days following the onset of the fever.
The rash often appears on the face or extremities, but it can affect other parts of the body like the hands, feet, mouth, and genitals. It usually lasts between 14 and 28 days, changing through different stages before forming a scab that will later fall off.
It is asked to self-isolate until all scabs have fallen off and healed if a person is diagnosed with monkeypox. (N.P.)
