Someone living in Brant County has tested positive for monkeypox.
The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) says it has received laboratory confirmation of the case and has contacted the resident to begin handling the case to determine close contacts.
At this time, the BCHU said, the case is low risk to the general public and will continue to monitor the situation, providing updates to the community when available.
BCHU will offer monkeypox immunization clinics soon, with more information on dates and eligibility published in its website.
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.