OTTAWA –
The Public Health Agency of Canada warns travelers to be especially careful abroad due to the potential threat of contracting monkeypox.
The virus, which is commonly found only in West and Central Africa, has spread worldwide with cases in Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain and more than two dozen other countries.
To see so many non-travel cases from these African regions is very unusual.
The government has issued a second-level travel health notice to encourage people traveling abroad to take extra precautions.
“In the current epidemic, those at risk of infection are those who have had close or intimate contact with a person who has monkeypox,” the council said.
The agency warned that travelers could be subjected to isolation or other measures to limit the spread of the virus.
People leaving the country may have limited access to appropriate care if they become ill and may be delayed in returning home.
Monkeypox is spread mainly through close contact with the virus to other people or objects such as bedding. Although it can be fatal, it is most often not, causing symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches and measles-like skin lesions.
Canada has confirmed at least 97 cases of people infected with the virus in Canada, including 90 in Quebec, five in Ontario, one in Alberta and one in British Columbia.
The government’s travel notification covers several countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany.
He advised Canadians to postpone the trip and isolate themselves if they have any symptoms of monkeypox or have been diagnosed with monkeypox to prevent the virus from spreading.
The report also advises Canadians to avoid close physical contact, including sexual contact, with people who appear ill while traveling and to be especially vigilant when attending a large mass gathering party.
“If you develop symptoms that could be due to monkeypox when traveling or returning, visit a medical professional and avoid contact with others,” the government advised on its website.
Those who develop symptoms during the flight are instructed to tell the flight attendant or border guard agent, who will notify the quarantine officer.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 7, 2022.
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