A second case of monkeypox has been identified in Alberta.
On Tuesday, Alberta’s medical director of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, tweeted that the case is not related to the first case reported in the province. He added that no direct connection is known with other confirmed cases at this time.
Hinshaw said the second case was found through close follow-up of potential cases. He said the person self-isolates and helps with contact tracking efforts.
That’s not to say that monkey pox is limited to a community. Anyone who has prolonged close contact with someone contagious is at risk and amp; it is important not to stigmatize any group. Tips for safer sex apply to everyone, such as avoiding sex if you don’t feel well. (6/8)
– @ CMOH_Alberta
Hinshaw said no identifying information about the person will be disclosed to protect the patient’s privacy.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), monkeypox is usually spread by close person-to-person contact with an infected person through respiratory drops, direct contact with sores or body fluids, or contact with contaminated clothing.
According to PHAC, at 11 a.m., there were 81 confirmed cases of smallpox in Canada.