Vaccination clinics already underway across Canada
⭐️HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW⭐️
- A virus called monkeypox emerged in Canada four weeks ago.
- There are now more than 100 confirmed cases nationwide.
- Experts say it doesn’t pose the same transmission risk as COVID-19.
- Still, countries like Canada are taking steps to contain it.
- Read on to find out what the symptoms are. ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
You might have heard about something called monkeypox and wondered: what is it, and how are monkeys involved?
Here’s what’s happening.
People in Canada started testing positive for a virus called monkeypox on May 19.
As of June 10, there have been 112 confirmed cases across Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
Also as of June 10, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an American organization that tracks diseases, reported more than 1,400 cases around the globe in non-endemic countries, meaning countries where the virus isn’t usually found.
If you’re wondering if this will be another pandemic like COVID-19, experts say that monkeypox isn’t nearly as concerning as COVID-19 for two reasons:
It’s not a new virus.
COVID-19 spreads much more easily.
Regardless, countries like Canada are taking steps to contain the virus, as experts warn that it could take hold long-term in non-endemic countries if not enough is done.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a virus that comes from animals like rodents and primates, but can occasionally be transmitted to humans.
A man walks into a monkeypox vaccination clinic run by public health authorities in Montreal, Quebec, on June 6. (Image credit: Christinne Muschi/Reuters)
It was first found in monkeys, which is why it’s called monkeypox, and the first case in humans was diagnosed in 1970.
Mostly, the virus is found in Central and West Africa.
What are the symptoms?
Most people who have monkeypox experience fever, body aches, chills and fatigue.
In some cases, people may develop a rash and lesions on the face and hands that can spread to other parts of the body.
Most people recover within two to four weeks without needing to go to a hospital.
Certain people, including children and those who are pregnant or have compromised immune systems, tend to be more at risk.
In rare cases, the virus can be deadly.
How is it treated?
A vaccine already exists that is shown to be effective against monkeypox.
It’s a vaccine for a virus called smallpox, which is a similar, but more severe virus.
Right now, vaccines are being offered to Canadians who have a higher risk of getting infected with monkeypox.
Kids in Canada used to receive the smallpox vaccine as part of their routine vaccinations.
That stopped in the early 1970s, which means most Canadians under 50 haven’t been vaccinated.
That might be one of the reasons we’re seeing monkeypox in Canada now, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist at Toronto General Hospital.
How is it transmitted?
Monkeypox can spread through various forms of close contact with others, such as exchanging bodily fluids or touching the lesions of infected people or animals.
A German scientist works in a laboratory in early June after Germany detected its first case of monkeypox. (Image credit: Christine Uyanik/Reuters)
It can also spread through contaminated clothing or bedding that has had prolonged exposure to an infected person.
Experts are recommending that sick people cover their lesions and stay isolated as much as possible, until they are healed.
They should wear a mask if they need to meet with other people.
Should I be worried?
For now, the number of cases of monkeypox in Canada is low, and the patients are all men between the ages of 20 and 63.
However, the World Health Organization is warning the monkeypox virus could become commonplace in non-endemic countries if they don't control the current outbreak.
Canada is being proactive by vaccinating those who are vulnerable.
In a press conference last week, Canada's chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, said that Canada’s goal is to “rapidly stop chains of transmission to prevent the establishment of monkeypox in Canada.”
Have more questions? Want to tell us how we're doing? Use the “send us feedback” link below. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
With files from The Associated Press, Adam Miller/CBC, Nicole Ireland/CBC
What is monkeypox? Here’s what you need to know - CBC.ca
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