Toronto Public Health (TPH) says another new suspected case of smallpox in the city has been reported on Friday.
In a press release on Friday, TPH said the new suspicious case brings the city total to one confirmed case, two probable cases and five suspicious cases.
“These people with probable and suspicious cases are undergoing laboratory tests to confirm if they have the virus and are currently recovering at home,” the statement said.
Read more: Toronto Public Health confirms first case of monkeypox virus
The city’s first confirmed case was announced on Thursday.
TPH said smallpox is a “rare disease” caused by a virus that is commonly found endemic in Central and West Africa.
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“It was first identified in monkeys, but its origins remain unknown,” the statement said.
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that “appears a few days after symptoms begin.”
The rash usually starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body.
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According to TPH, most people recover from monkeypox alone without treatment.
0:32 Toronto investigates the first suspected case of Monkeypox in the city Toronto investigates the first suspected case of Monkeypox in the city
The health unit said the virus usually spreads through contact with body fluids, including monkeypox ulcer fluids, bedding or contaminated clothing or through “respiratory drops” after prolonged face-to-face contact. “.
“It can also be spread by biting or scratching infected animals. Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, can infect the monkey’s smallpox through contact with body fluids, smallpox wounds or sharing contaminated items,” the statement said.
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Read more: Monkeypox Patients Should Be Isolated, Healthcare Workers Should Wear PPE: Ontario Public Health
According to TPH, common household disinfectants can kill the virus.
Anyone with symptoms of smallpox should report it to their healthcare provider as soon as possible, TPH said.
“Close contact with people suspected or confirmed to have a monkeypox infection is recommended to self-monitor symptoms for 21 days after their last exposure,” TPH said.
“If symptoms develop, they should be isolated, sought care and tested.”
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