Mass vaccines are not yet needed to combat the rise in monkeypox cases in Canada, a senior health official said on Thursday, but people should keep their distance from others to prevent the virus from spreading.
Deputy Public Health Director Dr. Howard Njoo said that because the virus “does not discriminate” and can be spread through close contact with an infected person, people can prevent the infection by “keeping physical distance from people.” out of home”.
“In addition, wearing masks, covering for coughing and sneezing, and frequent hand washing are still important, especially in public spaces,” he told reporters.
Read more: Toronto Public Health confirms first case of monkeypox virus
As of Thursday, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has confirmed 26 cases of smallpox. Toronto confirmed its first case on Thursday, while all others are in Quebec, which is investigating dozens of other suspected infections.
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Njoo said 1,000 doses of smallpox vaccine have been sent to Quebec to fight the outbreak after the province requested them. He said the PHAC is looking for targeted vaccines for other doses-requiring provinces, with ongoing active discussions with provincial health authorities.
“At the moment, we don’t think it’s a mass vaccination campaign,” Njoo told reporters.
“We are in active talks with the authorities” of the provinces on what they need, he added, with discussions focused on whether the doses will be sent as a precaution or once the cases are confirmed.
The goal in this case would be to get doses to the provinces as quickly as possible, Njoo said.
2:01 Health officials call for calm as more cases of monkeypox in Canada arise Health officials call for calm as more cases of monkeypox in Canada arise
While Canada already has a good amount of supply in its strategic reserve, he said they are in discussions with manufacturers to produce more doses if necessary.
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Quebec health officials said earlier in the day that doses of the vaccine would be given to people who had had close contact or lived with those who had suspected cases of the disease, with vaccinations as early as Friday.
Those who are already infected with the virus will not receive the vaccine as it will make no difference, those officials said. However, Njoo said Quebec has also received shipments of tecovirimat, an antiviral treatment, which will also be distributed as needed.
Smallpox is a rare disease that comes from the same family of viruses that cause smallpox, which the World Health Organization declared eradicated worldwide in 1980, but monkeypox does not usually spread. easily between people and is transmitted through prolonged close contact.
Njoo said that since Canada stopped getting smallpox vaccination that same year, “the entire Canadian population is susceptible to it,” although most cases in the country and others appear to be transmitted through of sexual contact between men.
Read more: More vigilance on monkeypox is needed, WHO says in member countries
He said public health officials are aware of the potential for stigmatization and discrimination among this community and stressed that smallpox smallpox still has the potential to infect anyone.
At the same time, he said the PHAC is working with community leaders and advocacy groups to raise awareness “among those most at risk.”
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The virus is usually transmitted by close contact, including respiratory drops, and by contact with shared objects.
Symptoms of monkeypox mainly include skin lesions in the mouth and genitals, and can also include fever and headaches, as well as joint and muscle aches. People who have suspicious cases, as well as those who live with them, should isolate themselves, wear a mask, cover up injuries, and avoid sharing clothes, bedding, or utensils with others.
– with archives of the Canadian press
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