The Canadian Public Health Agency has issued a travel warning as the monkeypox virus continues to spread around the world.
Travelers are advised to take improved health precautions in accordance with the Level 2 notice.
Read more: Quebec now has 90 cases of confirmed smallpox
“Groups of monkeypox cases have been reported in several countries internationally, outside the areas of Central and West Africa where cases are commonly found,” a Public Health Agency (PHAC) statement said on Tuesday. ). “During the trip, you may be subject to established procedures at your destination to limit the spread of monkeypox, such as isolation, if you become infected.”
Canadians may also have limited access to timely and adequate health care if they become ill, and may be delayed returning to the country, the PHAC warned.
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The travel notice did not list any specific countries, but cases of smallpox have been reported in places such as the United Kingdom and the United States.
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“PHAC is working closely with international, provincial and territorial health partners to gather information on this evolving topic,” the agency said.
In Canada, Quebec has so far reported 90 cases of smallpox and administered 813 doses of vaccine. Five cases have also been found in Ontario and one in Alberta.
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An additional case has been detected in British Columbia and has been confirmed by the BC Disease Control Center, but is awaiting further confirmation from the National Microbiology Laboratory.
PHAC recommends consulting with a healthcare professional or visiting a travel medical clinic at least six weeks before traveling. It is also recommended to wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and avoid close physical contact with sick people.
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Read more: First case of smallpox confirmed in BC
Since May, more than 700 cases of smallpox have been found in non-endemic countries, mostly in Europe, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The monkey’s smallpox is spread by contact with sores and items such as bedding or towels that contain the virus. It can also spread through the respiratory droplets, distributed by coughing or sneezing.
Although it can be transmitted through close contact during sexual activity, it is not known to spread through semen or vaginal or rectal fluids.
The CDC has advised exposed individuals to monitor their symptoms, which may occur between five and 21 days after exposure.
They should also limit close contact, including sexual contact, with other people.
Symptoms mainly include skin lesions in the mouth and genitals, and may also include fever, headaches, and joint and muscle aches, according to the World Health Organization.
Anyone with symptoms is asked to visit a healthcare professional, wear a mask and cover the injuries, and inform the clinic in advance.
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“Anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, could become infected and spread the virus if they come into close contact, including intimate sexual contact with an infected person or a contaminated object,” said Dr. Theresa Tam, responsible. Public Health Canada. he said at a briefing last Friday.
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– with files from Elizabeth McSheffrey of Global News
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