OTTAWA-
The Public Health Agency of Canada warns travelers to be very careful abroad due to the possible threat of catching monkeypox.
The virus, which is usually found only in West and Central Africa, has spread around the world with cases in Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain and more than two dozen other countries.
Seeing so many cases unrelated to traveling from these African regions is very unusual.
The government issued a level two travel health warning to encourage people traveling abroad to take extra precautions.
“In the current outbreak, those at risk of infection are those who have had close or intimate contact with a person who has monkeypox,” the notice says.
The agency warned that travelers could be subjected to isolation or other measures to limit the spread of the virus.
People leaving the country may have limited access to adequate care if they become ill and may experience delays in returning home.
The monkey’s smallpox is spread mainly through close contact with the virus to other humans or objects such as bedding. Although it can be fatal, it is often not, causing symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches, and smallpox-like lesions on the skin.
Canada has confirmed at least 97 cases of people infected with the virus in Canada, with 90 in Quebec, five in Ontario, one in Alberta and one in British Columbia.
The government travel notice applies to several countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany.
He advises Canadians to delay travel and isolate themselves if they have any symptoms of monkeypox or if they have been diagnosed with monkeypox, to prevent the spread of the virus.
The notice also recommends that Canadians avoid close physical contact, including sexual contact, with people who appear to be ill while traveling and who are especially vigilant when attending a large mass concentration party.
“If you develop symptoms that could be due to monkeypox when traveling or on your return, consult a healthcare professional and avoid contact with other people,” the government advised on its website.
Those who develop symptoms while on the flight are instructed to tell a flight attendant or a border service officer to alert a quarantine officer.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 7, 2022.