Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health registered the first local case of monkeypox.
The health department said in a statement that the individual was a Guelph man, aged between 20 and 30.
At this point, Public Health is completing follow-up treatment and contacting anyone else who may be at risk from this case, including those who may need to be vaccinated against the virus. Close contact with a positive case of monkeypox is defined as a person who has had intimate skin-to-skin contact with monkeypox rash or contact with the infectious droplets of the case.
“There is no increased risk of monkeypox to the general public from this case,” said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, associate medical officer at WDG Public Health. “The virus is transmitted mainly through contact with fluid from the lesions of the virus, so it is important to be aware and take the necessary precautions if you are in intimate contact with someone who has lesions from monkeypox.
We spoke to the Associated Health Officer, who said, yes, this is unusual.
Human monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is associated with the smallpox virus. It presents with symptoms similar to smallpox, but less severe. Symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and rash / lesions (which may appear on the face or genitals and then spread to other areas).
Most people recover on their own without treatment, and close contacts with a positive case can be effectively treated with a vaccine.
Apart from taking steps to reduce the risk of infection, no public action is required in this case, but the public should be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and contact the primary care provider immediately if there are some concerns.
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