Toronto is reporting a second case of monkeypox in the city.
On Tuesday, Toronto Public Health confirmed another case of the virus, which resulted in a total of two confirmed cases so far.
The city says it is currently investigating six more cases and nine possible cases were considered negative.
Toronto reported last Thursday its first confirmed case.
Monkeypox is a rare disease that was first identified in monkeys and is found mainly in Central and West Africa. Smallpox is related to smallpox, but has milder symptoms.
The virus has gained worldwide attention in the last two weeks as cases increase, specifically in Europe, the US, Israel and Australia.
The virus usually spreads from close person-to-person contact through respiratory drops, direct contact with skin lesions or body fluids, or indirect contact through contaminated clothing or sheets.
On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the most recent emerging cases around the world are in gays, bisexuals or men who have sex with men.
It can also be transmitted by contact with animals infected by bites and scratches and by the preparation of wild game meat.
Symptoms include fever, rash or injury to the face and body, headache and body aches.
The monkey’s smallpox is considered infectious for five days before the rash begins and remains contagious until the lesions have begun to heal and the scabs have fallen off.
Most people recover in two to four weeks and the infection is rarely fatal.
Health officials say the virus is not easily spread among people and is not as transmissible as COVID-19.
Anyone who has been exposed to monkeypox should be isolated immediately and seek medical attention.
-With archives of the Associated Press
1/2: We continue to monitor #Monkeypox activity on TO. As of May 31, 2022 at 3:00 p.m., there have been: 2 positive cases, 9 negative cases, and 6 cases being investigated for this virus. There is 1 new case confirmed in the lab since the last update.
– Toronto Public Health (@TOPublicHealth) May 31, 2022