After Alberta identified its second case of monkeypox, experts pushed hard to ensure that the message did not stigmatize any particular group.
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“It’s always very important to lead with the incumbent and the incumbent is that anyone can suffer from monkeypox,” said Timothy Caulfield, Canada’s chair of research in health law and policy at the University of Alberta.
“This is a close contact. And then maybe keep up with the reality of private communities that right now could be at greater risk,” Caulfield said.
Caulfield said Alberta and other jurisdictions are doing a good job of ensuring that information is communicated quickly with an emphasis on science messages.
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Smallpox is transmitted mainly through close skin-to-skin physical contact, so it can be transmitted to sexual partners. Although smallpox is not an STI, most global cases to date have occurred among men who have reported intimate relationships with other men. (5/8)
– Dr. Deena Hinshaw (@CMOH_Alberta) June 7, 2022
On Tuesday evening, Alberta’s medical director of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, posted on social media, alerting the public that a second case had been identified.
He also said that poxvirus is transmitted “predominantly” through close skin-to-skin physical contact, “which is why it can be transmitted to sexual partners. they have been among men who have reported intimate relations with other men. “
READ MORE: Alberta detects a second case of monkeypox
Caulfield said the messages around the virus can be challenging to ensure that information is communicated properly without stigmatizing a particular group.
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“We need to make sure that these communities know that they may be at greater risk, but we need to make sure that the messages do not stigmatize these communities for unscientific reasons,” Caulfield said.
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Kristopher Wells, Canada’s Chair of Research for Public Understanding of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth at MacEwan University, said many lessons were learned from the COVID-19 pandemic on public messages and strategies.
He said we need to make sure the message is nuanced and addressed while avoiding guilt or embarrassment.
“We want to make sure we’re not stereotyped. It’s very important for people to understand that monkey pox is not based on a person’s sexual orientation or identity,” Wells said.
“If people think that monkey pox is only affecting gay communities, people will not take action to prevent it from spreading.”
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Wells said Alberta Health is doing a good job of making sure the message is clear as it approaches the affected communities.
However, it is important to note that there may currently be a high risk for people in this group, especially those who have recently had a new sexual partner. We have contacted the organizations that serve this community to understand how to give them the best support. (7/8)
– Dr. Deena Hinshaw (@CMOH_Alberta) June 7, 2022
“Let’s be honest, it’s about reducing harm and trying to get the right information to the right group of individuals who may be most at risk for exposure and transmission,” Wells said.
Cases of smallpox have been identified in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia since the outbreak began this year.
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