The first case of smallpox in the region has been identified, according to the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
According to a statement, the staff of the health unit has determined that the person diagnosed with the disease did not have close contacts that require post-exposure prophylaxis or additional follow-up by the public health.
“It simply came to our notice then. Although we are reporting this first local case of monkeypox, the risk to the community remains very low, “said health official Dr. Alex Summers.
Smallpox is a viral disease that is endemic to parts of Central and West Africa. It can be transmitted to people through direct contact with body fluids or injuries of infected people or animals, as well as from contaminated clothing or bedding and through respiratory drops after prolonged exposure to an infected person.
Symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and lethargy, followed by the development of a rash (smallpox lesions). The rash may appear on the face and limbs a few days after the onset of symptoms and may spread to other parts of the body.
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox virus infection, although antivirals developed for smallpox use and post-exposure vaccination with the smallpox vaccine may help.