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The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a global health emergency, but Brantford-Brant has only recorded one case of the virus.
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In the same family as smallpox, monkeypox is often less severe with flu-like symptoms that include fever, headache, chills, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes. A rash may appear on the face, but it can also spread to other areas of the body several days after symptoms appear.
The Brant County Health Unit is offering the second of two smallpox vaccination clinics for at-risk community members on Wednesday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
So far 15 appointments have been booked, while the first clinic on 21 July had only two clients receiving the vaccine.
According to Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines, populations at risk are identified as individuals aged 18 years and older who are transgender or cisgender individuals who identify as male and belong to the community of men gays, bisexuals and others who have sex with men. community
In addition, at least one of the following is required for vaccination:
- Identify yourself as a contact of a person who recently tested positive for monkeypox
- You have had two or more sexual partners in the last 21 days, or you may plan to have sex
- Have attended sex clubs, bathhouses or other places of sexual contact in the past 21 days, including workers and volunteers at these places.
- Having had anonymous or casual sex in the last 21 days
- Having participated in, or planning to participate in, sex work
- Have been diagnosed with a chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis infection within the last two months
The health unit says the virus usually doesn’t spread easily between people, but it can occur as a result of intimate or sexual contact with an infected person, direct contact with lesions or scabs from monkeypox, or face-to-face contact prolonged face to face with an infected. individual causing respiratory transmission. The virus can also be acquired by contact with bedding, towels or clothing used by an infected person.
The health unit continues to monitor the situation and may offer more clinics in the future if warranted.
A smallpox vaccination reservation form is available online at bchu.org/monkeypox or by calling the Brant County Health Unit at 519-753-4937.