First case of monkeypox confirmed in Alberta; 52 cases in Quebec

Posted: Jun. 2, 2022 3:22PM | Last Updated: Jun. 2, 2022 3:27PM

CHEK

This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner-CDC via AP

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health has announced there is one confirmed case of monkeypox in the province.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw tweeted there is one confirmed isolated case in the province.

Hinshaw did not provide information about what municipality in the province the person lives in.

I would like to remind Albertans that monkeypox does not spread easily between people. Transmission can occur by contact w/body fluids, sores or items recently contaminated with fluids or sores. (2/9)

— Dr. Deena Hinshaw (@CMOH_Alberta) June 2, 2022

“The individual is currently self-isolating and we appreciate their cooperation in working with our team to inform our investigation and contact tracing. At this time, the risk of further transmission is low,” Hinshaw said in a tweet.

“While the risk of infection is currently low to the general population, monkeypox can affect anyone in prolonged close contact with an infected person.”

Meanwhile, Quebec’s Health Department says 52 monkeypox cases have been confirmed in the province.

Health officials said in a tweet late Wednesday the number of confirmed cases is as of Tuesday, up from 25 cases reported one week earlier.

Monkeypox is a rare disease that comes from the same family of viruses that causes smallpox, which the World Health Organization declared eradicated around the globe in 1980.

Monkeypox generally does not spread easily between people and is transmitted through prolonged close contact via respiratory droplets, direct contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids, or through contaminated clothes or bedding.

Health authorities say people who are suspected of having the virus, as well as those who live under the same roof, should isolate.

They should also wear a mask, cover their lesions and avoid sharing clothing, bedding or utensils with others.

Quebec began administering doses of the smallpox vaccine Imvamune last week, reserved for close contacts at high risk of developing the disease.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2022.

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