Canadians traveling abroad have been warned about monkeypox, as outbreaks have been reported in dozens of countries, including Canada.
For Winnipeggers, Aiden Stewart and Joshua Thatcher are waiting for Paris.
“I haven’t been anywhere but Canada in years, so I’m excited to see the rest of the world again,” Stewart told CTV News at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport as he prepared to board.
The two friends are ready to embark on their European adventure, but there is some concern.
A Level 2 travel notice has been issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada. He warns passengers about monkeypox, a disease caused by a virus commonly found in parts of Africa. Outbreaks have been reported in 29 other countries in recent weeks, including Canada.
As of Tuesday, there were 81 cases of monkeypox in Canada, most in Quebec. Worldwide, more than 1,000 cases have been reported to the World Health Organization.
The epidemic has warned travelers.
“You may have limited access to timely and appropriate health care if you become ill and may experience a delay in returning home,” the Canadian Public Health Agency said in a statement. “Be especially vigilant if you plan to attend a big party or mass gathering while traveling.”
According to the travel report, cases of monkeypox are usually mild, but symptoms can last for several weeks.
Travel pharmacist Ryan Buffy said a Level 2 travel notice was a precaution.
“You want to take some of the same precautions we learned from COVID,” he said. “Avoid crowded places, close contact with people, wearing masks.”
His advice is to avoid sick people, because transmission can happen – like COVID – through respiratory droplets.
“There may also be transmission through clothes or bedding that the person has touched if their wounds are crying,” he said.
The announcement is enough to stop some of the international travel, but Thatcher and Stewart do not change their plans.
“I don’t think we’ve planned to do a lot of activities that involve close contact, so yes, it’s not really a big deal,” Stewart said.
According to public health, there are no suspected or confirmed cases in Manitoba.
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