GUELPH – The first case of local smallpox was detected in a Guelph man, but health officials say the risk to the general public remains low.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health reported Friday that the case was confirmed Thursday in a man between the ages of 20 and 30 who lives in Guelph.
No cases of smallpox in the Waterloo region have been confirmed.
Guelph Public Health is completing follow-up treatment and contacting anyone else who may be at risk for this case, including those who may need vaccination against the virus.
Close contact with a positive case of monkeypox is someone who has had intimate and skin-to-skin contact with the eruption of monkeypox or contact with the infectious drops in the case.
“There is no increase in the risk of monkeypox for the general public arising from this case,” said Deputy Health Physician Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum.
“The virus is transmitted mainly by contact with the fluid from the lesions of the virus, so it is important to be aware and take the necessary precautions if you are in intimate contact with someone who has monkeypox lesions.”
Human smallpox is caused by the smallpox virus, which is related to the smallpox virus. The symptoms are similar to those of smallpox, but less severe, such as fever, headache, fatigue, and rash or injury (which may appear on the face or genitals and then spread to other areas).
Most people recover without treatment and close contacts of a positive case can be effectively treated with a vaccine.
Guelph health officials say the public should be aware of the symptoms of the monkey’s smallpox and contact their doctor immediately if they have any questions. Beyond taking steps to reduce the risk of infection, residents should not take any action related to this first case.
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