Hamilton Public Health Services says it has confirmed the first case of monkeypox virus in the city.
The Hamilton resident “probably became infected during a recent visit to the city of Toronto,” the public health unit said in a press release Monday afternoon.
“The individual is currently being isolated and Hamilton Public Health Services has notified all nearby contacts.”
CBC Hamilton has contacted the public health unit for further comments.
Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, the city’s health doctor, said in the press release that the risk to the general public is “very low because we have not detected the virus circulating in Hamilton and the virus does not spread. easily “.
“Hamiltonians shouldn’t have to worry about their routine daily activities,” he said.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely and advise anyone who develops symptoms or has had close contact with a suspected or known case of monkeypox who should contact their healthcare provider and local public health unit immediately. “.
This is because the country has seen at least 100 cases, including 67 confirmed cases in Ontario.
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 days, but can be as long as 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, pregnant women, and people with immunodeficiency have a higher risk of worsening symptoms.
The monkeypox mortality rate is currently around one percent, according to public health.
How does smallpox spread?
Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus and public health Hamilton said it 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.
Practicing physical distancing, masking, and good hand hygiene can reduce the risk of monkeypox exposure, according to the public health unit.
How do you treat it?
There are really no treatment options. The symptoms eventually go away in just 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.
The city hosted an emerging vaccine clinic last week for at-risk community members by appointment only and administered more than 60 doses.
Hamilton Public Health said other ways to avoid becoming infected include physical distancing, hand washing and wearing a mask.