Key Takeaways:
- The first case of monkeypox in British Columbia was diagnosed in a patient in Vancouver.
- Since May, the CDC reports that more than 700 cases of monkeypox have been detected in non-endemic countries, primarily in Europe.
- Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical assistance, cover the lesions with a mask, and contact the clinic in advance.
A patient in Vancouver has been diagnosed with the first incidence of monkeypox in British Columbia.
The infection was confirmed by laboratory tests, according to the B.C. The Centre for Disease Control is awaiting validation from the National Microbiology Laboratory.
According to a news release, Vancouver Coastal Health is performing a public health follow-up, although the danger to the public remains low.
In an interview, Dr. Mayank Singal, BCCDC epidemiology, said, “As with any emerging virus, we can presume it was transported into the province; thus, it was tied to travel.”
Monkeypox, he claimed, is “far less infectious” than COVID-19.
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According to the CDC, more than 700 instances of monkeypox have been discovered in non-endemic countries, particularly in Europe, since May. There were 77 confirmed cases across Canada as of June 3, with 71 in Quebec, 5 in Ontario, and one in Alberta.
The vaccine is available, but the center claims that given the low risk, “there is no necessity for the general public to get vaccinated.”
“We don’t believe most people are in danger of being exposed,” Singal added.
“Whenever there are cases in B.C., we will most likely follow up with all of that individual’s contacts and most likely offer (the vaccination) to those who may have been exposed to it.”
Monkeypox is spread by touching sores and infected things such as bedding or towels. Coughs and sneezes can potentially spread the virus through respiratory droplets.
According to the center, it isn’t known to be spread by sperm, vaginal, or rectal secretions, but it can be transmitted through intimate contact during sexual activity.
In a Friday briefing, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, said that anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, could become infected and spread the virus if they came into close contacts, such as intimate sexual contact with an infected or a contaminated object.
According to the World Health Organization, symptoms involve skin lesions on the lips and genitals, as well as fever, headaches, and joint and muscular pain.
Doctors have told Global News that monkeypox infections in Canada are thought to have begun in a sauna in Montreal.
On the other hand, government officials have so far refrained from revealing the origin in Canada, citing privacy and stigmatization concerns.
According to the CDC, monkeypox has a “very low” risk to the general population and has “been around for decades,” according to B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix.
“We want to make completely sure that everyone is aware of this situation and that everyone is aware of all the actions being done to support this person, this individual’s close connections, and the community,” he said of the province’s lone patient far.
According to the CDC, people who are exposed should keep an eye out for symptoms, which can appear anywhere from five to 21 days after exposure.
Anyone who develops symptoms is advised to seek medical attention, wear a mask to cover the lesions and notify the clinic in advance.
They should also restrict close interaction with others, particularly sexual contact.
Source: Global News
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