Monkeypox has arrived in the Oxford-Elgin region.
Southwestern Public Health, the health unit that covers the two counties, announced on Thursday an adult man has tested positive for the virus. This is the first case of monkeypox to be confirmed in the region.
No other information about the infected individual, including his age or current condition, will be released as it is an "active case investigation," the health unit said.
"Monkeypox does not typically spread easily among people without close, prolonged contact with a case,” said Dr. Ninh Tran, the region's medical officer of health. “As with many other diseases that spread through close contact, people can lower their risk by maintaining physical distance, frequent hand washing, and practicing respiratory hygiene including masking.”
Monkeypox is a viral illness, classified as an endemic in parts of central and western Africa. It is transmissible through direct contact with lesions, respiratory secretions, or materials contaminated by the virus such as bedding. Symptoms typically develop between 5 to 21 days after exposure and include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and lethargy, followed by a rash. Individuals who contract the virus are contagious for 7 to 14 days and up to 21 days.
The health unit advises anyone who develops a rash or has been exposed to a known case to self-isolate and call their primary care provider or Telehealth.
In July, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. There have been 1,338 confirmed cases of the virus in Canada as of Wednesday, including 37 that required hospitalization.
The Middlesex London Health Unit confirmed its first case in June.
While there is no vaccine specific to monkeypox, the first generation smallpox vaccine has proven effective against the virus. Pre-exposure vaccination appointments for people who are high-risk of transmission or complications from an infection are being offered through the health unit. Eligibility details and clinic hours can be found by clicking here.
