The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has released an update following the WHO’s declaration that “the multinational outbreak of monkeypox constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.”
According to a statement from the government agency on Saturday, July 23, there are currently 681 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Canada across five provinces.
PHAC notes that the number of cases is expected to increase “as the outbreak evolves” and that the first case in a woman and the first cases in Saskatchewan have been discovered.
\u201cToday, the @WHO has declared #monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern. PHAC continues to closely monitor and work with international, provincial and territorial partners to prevent the spread of monkeypox:
— Health Canada and PHAC (@Health Canada and PHAC) 1658621193
“Since the beginning of the outbreak, the top priority of the Government of Canada has been to protect the health of all Canadians,” the feds said. “Canada will continue to work with WHO and international partners to strengthen the global response to the current monkeypox outbreak.”
More than 70,000 doses of monkeypox immunization have been deployed across the country.
“While vaccination is expected to provide protection, a successful response to the monkeypox outbreak depends on a variety of public health measures, including targeted public health education, equipping people with the information they need to make informed decisions,” the agency notes.
To reduce the risk of contracting or spreading monkeypox, PHAC recommends staying home and limiting contact with others if you have symptoms, as well as avoiding “close physical contact,” including sexual contact, with someone who may have been exposed to the virus.
They also recommend “maintaining good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette” and regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and items at home, especially if you’ve had visitors.
“To reduce the overall risk of contracting and spreading monkeypox virus while we learn more about the virus, PHAC recommends that people in Canada use condoms and practice safe sex,” they said.
“Having fewer sexual partners, especially anonymous partners, even when they don’t have symptoms, can also reduce the risk of becoming infected.”
On July 21, PHAC said they would make a $1 million commitment to support communities affected by monkeypox, which was first found in Canada in May.
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