Monkeypox cases are on the rise in British Columbia.
According to the British Columbia Center for Disease Control, 18 cases have been confirmed in the province as of Thursday.
All confirmed cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Health Region.
The virus is spread through close contact, and Health Canada says so far most cases in the country have been in men who have sex with other men.
Last month, when there were only two cases in British Columbia, the Ministry of Health told CTV News that the provincial health officer and the British Columbia Center for Disease Control were working closely with provincial, territorial and federal agencies for a “coordinated response to the outbreak to manage the disease.
What that response looks like so far is to ensure that cases are reported. Health care providers should use national case reporting forms and laboratory test protocols should be consistent with those of the Public Health Agency of Canada.
In addition, vaccination strategies are being coordinated with officials outside of British Columbia to “ensure we are preventing the spread of the virus as effectively as possible.”
As for vaccines, the ministry said they would be available for close contacts and that it was working with communities at risk to determine the need for wider vaccination campaigns.
Some told CTV News they were able to take the photo without being in close contact because they thought they were at risk.
As for the reasons why vaccines are not available to all, the ministry said that there are simply not enough.
Health Canada maintains limited stocks of a vaccine that protects against monkeypox, the ministry said.
Monkeypox is a viral disease transmitted through direct contact with contaminated objects, people and animals.
Symptoms include lesions or sores on the skin, including inside the mouth and on the genitals and perianal area. People with monkeypox usually also experience fever and swollen lymph nodes, Health Canada says.
Early signs include headache, muscle aches, back pain, chills and exhaustion, but some mild cases may go undiagnosed.
Despite transmission in Canada, the disease is still considered rare.
Mapping by Esri Canada, Data Source: Global.Health
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