Alberta has now confirmed four cases of smallpox in the monkey. The province’s medical director of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, made the announcement during Thursday’s press conference on COVID-19.
“These adults are self-isolated and I want to express my gratitude for their assistance with follow-up and contact research,” he said.
Smallpox is spread by skin-to-skin contact or by touching things contaminated with the virus, such as clothing or bedding.
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, swollen glands, ulcers, or a rash.
Hinshaw said anyone experiencing smallpox symptoms should isolate themselves and call 811.
“These are common symptoms and most people with these symptoms will have another cause. However, being aware of these symptoms is especially important for anyone who has had a new sexual partner,” Hinshaw said.
Hinshaw noted that most cases of monkeypox that have been reported worldwide have been in the gay community. He says Alberta Health has contacted organizations across the province that serve the LGBTQ2S + community to provide information.
“This is not being done to embarrass or stigmatize anyone, and it does not mean that anyone who has contracted smallpox or a contact has done anything wrong,” he said.
Rob Browatzke co-owns Evolution Wonderlounge, a gay bar in central Edmonton. He says he was surprised to receive an email from Alberta Health about the monkey’s smallpox earlier this week.
“I answered and asked if I went to all the nightclubs or if I only went to gay bars and I still haven’t heard anything,” he told CTV News on Thursday.
“If the monkey’s smallpox is transmissible due to certain behaviors, this should go everywhere. We’re certainly not the only nightclub where people will connect.”
CTV News asked Hinshaw about Browatzke’s concerns during Thursday’s press conference.
“I am very sorry that this particular data sheet has caused this, it was certainly not the intention,” he said. “We tried to get feedback from various organizations on the wording and language, and did our best to balance the need for timely dissemination of accurate information with consultation with various representative groups.”
Browatzke is concerned that tying the monkey’s smallpox to the gay community reinforces harmful stereotypes.
“If people are already predisposed to think that gay sex or gays are dirty or disease-carrying, that will only reinforce that kind of harmful ignorance,” he said. “And for that to happen during Pride Month, it’s amazing. I’m like ‘Come on, government!'”
“We continue to engage with organizations and welcome their comments and, if there are ways to talk about them in ways that provide accurate information about risk factors so that people can take control of their own health without stigmatizing “We welcome these comments,” Hinshaw said.
He added that the risk of contracting smallpox in Alberta remains low.