Hamilton Public Health Services says it has confirmed the first case of monkeypox virus in the city.
The Hamilton resident “probably became infected during a recent visit to the city of Toronto,” Hamilton’s health unit said in a press release Monday afternoon.
“The individual is currently being isolated and Hamilton Public Health Services has notified all nearby contacts.”
Public health told CBC Hamilton that the case was confirmed over the long weekend.
Spokesman Shawn Berry did not share any details about the confirmed case. Nor did he reveal the number of other cases of smallpox in the monkey, only saying that public health was investigating “very low instances.”
Despite this, Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, the city’s health doctor, told the media that the risk to the general public is “very low as we have not detected the virus circulating in Hamilton and the virus does not spreads easily “.
“Hamiltonians shouldn’t have to worry about their routine daily activities,” he said. “We continue to monitor the situation closely and advise anyone who develops symptoms or has had close contact with a suspected or known case of monkeypox to contact their healthcare provider and health unit immediately. local public “.
This is because the country has seen at least 100 cases, including 67 confirmed cases in Ontario.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include:
- A fever.
- A headache.
- swollen lymph nodes.
- Low energy.
- Muscle aches.
- Rash, usually on the face, palms and soles, or lesions
The number of days between infection and the onset of symptoms is usually six to 13, but can be up to three weeks.
The lesions, which can range from a few to thousands, can be flat or slightly elevated with a light or yellowish liquid before peeling and falling like chickenpox.
Most people will only treat mild symptoms, but children and people who are pregnant or have immunodeficiency have a higher risk of worsening symptoms.
The monkeypox mortality rate is about one percent, according to Hamilton Public Health.
How does smallpox spread?
Smallpox is caused by the virus that belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus in the family Poxviridae. The genus also includes smallpox virus (which causes smallpox) and the vaccine virus (used in the smallpox vaccine).
Hamilton Public Health said the monkeypox virus does not spread easily among people.
It can spread by close contact, including airborne droplets, skin-to-skin contact, or if someone touches contaminated surfaces such as clothing or bedding.
The spread can also be caused by bites or scratches from infected animals.
Close contacts should be self-monitored for symptoms for 21 days after their most recent exposure.
A person can be contagious for five days before the onset of the rash and until a new skin has formed on the rash.
How do you treat it?
There are no specific treatments for monkeypox virus infections. The symptoms go away on their own, in two weeks to a month.
People who have been exposed to monkeypox can get the Imvamune smallpox vaccine, which can prevent infection or decrease the severity of symptoms.
Last week, the city hosted an emerging vaccine clinic for at-risk community members that was by appointment only. More than 60 doses were administered.
Hamilton Public Health said other ways to avoid becoming infected include physical distancing, hand washing and wearing a mask.