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  • Canada: 2022 - 2023 Mpox

    Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/monke...reak-1.6458523

    Monkeypox cases under investigation in Canada as outbreak spreads in Europe, U.S.
    U.S., U.K., Portugal and Spain investigating cases as global case numbers grow
    Adam Miller, Lauren Pelley · CBC News · Posted: May 18, 2022 5:54 PM ET | Last Updated: 14 minutes ago


    Health officials in Quebec are investigating more than a dozen cases of suspected monkeypox in Canada, after U.S. and European health officials confirmed rising cases of the rare infectious disease — suggesting a wider outbreak may be happening globally.

    Radio-Canada reported Wednesday that Montreal public health officials are investigating up to 13 cases flagged by doctors in the city, following diagnoses made in three clinics specializing in sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. Laboratory confirmation of the cases are in progress and an announcement is expected in the coming days...




  • #2
    Translation Google

    Montreal Public Health confirms 17 suspected cases


    (Montreal) The Regional Public Health Department (DRSP) of Montreal confirmed Thursday 17 suspected cases of monkeypox in the metropolis.

    Posted at 7:03 a.m. Updated at 11:15 a.m.

    ALICE GIRARD-BOSSE
    THE PRESS

    A total of 15 suspected cases have been identified on the island of Montreal, one on the south crown and another on the north crown. People infected, mainly men between 30 and 55 years old, present with genital and oral ulcerations, as well as painful lymph nodes. "Most cases are not severe," said Dr. Mylène Drouin, regional director of public health for Montreal, at a press conference Thursday morning.

    Human-to-human transmission can occur through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or internal mucosal surfaces, and respiratory droplets. Authorities are investigating the possibility that some infections were transmitted through close contact during sex.

    The most common symptoms of this infection are fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills and fatigue. Rashes can also occur, often on the face, and spread to other parts of the body, including the genitals. The infection can sometimes be mistaken for a sexually transmitted infection.

    “For the moment, Quebec has no confirmed case of monkeypox , but we are investigating a dozen cases of genital ulcerative lesions,” the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Social Services told La Presse on Wednesday. Marjorie Larouche. The department has also been notified that a person diagnosed with monkeypox has traveled to Quebec.

    No treatment

    There is no cure for monkeypox, but the viral infection is self-limiting. Symptoms usually resolve spontaneously within 14 to 21 days. The smallpox vaccine, given to Canadians until 1971, is more than 85% effective against the monkeypox virus, according to Government of Canada data.

    Monkeypox is generally restricted to Africa, and the rare cases seen elsewhere in the world are usually related to travel to that region. However, since the beginning of May, nine cases of monkeypox have been reported in the UK. Spain and Portugal also announced on Wednesday that they had recorded more than 40 possible or confirmed cases of monkeypox.

    With Agence France-Presse and The Associated Press

    Les deux premiers cas de variole simienne, aussi appelée variole du singe, ont été détectés au Québec alors qu’une vingtaine d’autres font maintenant l’objet d’une enquête.
    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

    Comment


    • #3
      Montrealers 'do not have to panic' about monkeypox, Drouin says
      ...
      Author of the article:René Bruemmer
      Publishing date:May 19, 2022 • 1 hour ago •

      Public health authorities confirmed Thursday they’re investigating 17 suspected cases of monkeypox in the Montreal area.

      It’s the only known outbreak in Canada of the rare disease, which can cause painful pustules, scabs and skin lesions.
      ...
      To date, 15 suspected cases have been identified on the island of Montreal, as well as one on the South Shore and one on the North Shore. The infected are mainly men who had sexual relations with other men, between the ages of 30 and 55.

      Drouin stressed that monkeypox is not known to be a sexually transmitted disease and warned against stigmatizing a particular segment of the community, as anyone can catch the virus.

      The first cases in Montreal were declared on May 12 at clinics specializing in sexually transmitted diseases. The cases were initially thought to be chancroid, a rare disease that causes painful genital ulcers.

      It wasn’t until Tuesday, when authorities learned of a possible case from the United States who had travelled to Montreal, that monkeypox was suspected. Several of the cases in Montreal have been linked to a traveller who came from Boston.

      Montreal’s cases have not yet been confirmed by a laboratory, but Drouin said recent outbreaks in Europe and a case reported in the United States suggest they’re likely cases of the virus. Lab results are expected by this weekend.
      ...
      The Public Health Agency of Canada notes that the smallpox vaccine protects against monkeypox. Since that vaccine was routinely administered to Canadians born before 1972, only those who are in their 50s or older may have protection. The World Health Organization reports that the original smallpox vaccine was found to be 85 per cent effective against monkeypox.
      ...
      Drouin said the strain of the disease that is circulating in Montreal appears to be the less severe of the two types that exist. None of the 17 people suspected to be infected in Montreal had to be hospitalized, she noted, with the exception of one man who was admitted for other health problems.

      While two cases have been confirmed in the province, “it’s not something you can acquire if you go to the grocery store or go on public transportation.”
      "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
      -Nelson Mandela

      Comment


      • #4
        Canada confirms first 2 cases of monkeypox in Quebec

        Posted May 19, 2022 9:36 pm

        By Saba Aziz

        Canada has confirmed its first two cases of monkeypox as concern grows over the spread of the infectious virus in multiple countries.

        In a statement late on Thursday, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said two individuals in Quebec had tested positive for the rare disease.

        Twenty other suspected cases are also being investigated in the province, Quebec’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) said. ...

        In a statement late on Thursday, the Public Health Agency of Canada said two individuals in Quebec had tested positive for monkeypox.

        Comment


        • #5
          Government statement -


          Public Health Agency of Canada Confirms 2 cases of Monkeypox


          From: Public Health Agency of Canada
          Statement


          May 19, 2022 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

          The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is working with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and public health authorities in the province of Quebec to investigate potential exposure and contacts of a case of monkeypox recently identified in the United States (U.S.). The U.S. citizen had recently travelled to Canada from the U.S. The individual travelled by private transportation and may have been infected before or during his visit to Montreal, Quebec.

          As part of the ongoing investigation, health partners have identified individuals in Canada who have signs and symptoms which could be consistent with monkeypox infection. The National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) is undertaking additional testing to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of monkeypox for these individuals. Tonight, the Province of Quebec was notified that two samples received by the NML have tested positive for monkeypox. These are the first two cases confirmed in Canada.

          Monkeypox is a zoonotic infectious disease found in parts of central and West Africa that result in occasional human infections usually associated with exposure to infected animals or contaminated materials. Limited cases have been identified in other regions in the past, including the United Kingdom, United States, Israel and Singapore, but never before in Canada. For the recent international cases, it is not yet certain how the individuals were exposed to monkeypox virus.

          Person to person spread of monkeypox is uncommon. However, when spread does occur between people the mode of transmission is through close contact with an infected individual, such as through direct contact with their body fluids, respiratory droplets, or monkeypox sores, or by sharing clothing, bedding or common items that have been contaminated with the infected person's fluids or sores. As with many other diseases spread through close contact, people can lower their risk by maintaining physical distance, frequent hand and respiratory hygiene including masking.

          People should be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and report any concerns to their health care provider. Signs and symptoms of monkeypox can typically include fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that often appears within a few days after symptoms such as fever develop.

          PHAC has alerted public health authorities to work with health care providers to look for patients who have signs or symptoms consistent with monkeypox, regardless of whether they have reported travel or have specific risk factors for monkeypox.

          This is an evolving and ongoing investigation, both in Canada and around the world. More information is needed to assess if there are increased health risks to people in Canada. PHAC will continue to provide updates to the public as new information becomes available.

          The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is working with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and public health authorities in the province of Quebec to investigate potential exposure and contacts of a case of monkeypox recently identified in the United States (U.S.).

          Comment


          • #6
            Translation Google

            Monkey pox: the other suspected cases are mainly in Quebec

            Emilie Bergeron, The Canadian Press
            May 20, 2022

            OTTAWA — Dozens of other suspected cases of monkeypox are under investigation in Canada, mostly from Quebec, Chief Federal Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam said Friday.

            So far, two cases have been confirmed, after authorities in the state of Massachusetts reported a case of monkeypox in a man who had stayed in Montreal.

            Among the other possible cases that remain to be confirmed in the country, Dr. Tam said that several contacts in British Columbia are being closely monitored.

            “We don't really know the extent of the spread that has occurred in Canada,” she said, adding that she expects more cases to be confirmed on Friday or the following days.

            Currently, all cases of this disease, whose symptoms include pustules and fever, are validated at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. Discussions are underway among the lab network across the country to see how to increase diagnostic capacity in other locations, Dr. Tam said.

            Deputy Public Health Officer of Canada Dr. Howard Njoo has raised the possibility that larger provinces and those with better technological arrangements may be prioritized, initially, although it is too early to say. which ones.

            As to whether the smallpox vaccine could soon be used against monkeypox, Dr. Njoo did not advance except to say that the matter is being studied with Quebec counterparts.

            “For the moment, we have a few doses (in the bank) and we are always ready. We are currently discussing with the province of Quebec for the possible use”, he summarized.

            Above all, he insisted on the major efforts to be made, in Canada and elsewhere in the world, to update the guidelines for the use of this vaccine according to the new possible context of use.

            OTTAWA — Trois autres cas de variole du singe ont été confirmés au Québec, pour un total de cinq en date de vendredi. C'est ce qu'a indiqué le ministère de la Santé sur Twitter. Plus tôt vendredi, l'administratrice en chef de la santé publique fédérale, la Dre Theresa Tam, affirmait que les quelques dizaines d'autres […]
            "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
            -Nelson Mandela

            Comment


            • #7
              After investigating two cases, BC CDC says monkeypox not suspected | Globalnews.ca

              [snip]

              The BC Centre for Disease Control has confirmed there are no suspected cases of monkeypox in the province.

              “Public health interviewed two individuals but upon investigation, it was determined that they were not considered contacts of cases as they had not been exposed,” the BCCDC said in a statement.

              ----------

              (I'd hope there is more reason to exclude these "cases" than just the lack of an exposure history....- alert)

              Comment


              • #8
                hat tip Laurent T


                Monkey pox: story of a Montreal doctor who saw it

                VAT News
                | Published on May 19, 2022 at 3:25 PM

                Doctor Robert Pilarski, general practitioner, testified in an interview with LCN of his experience in the field of patients infected with monkeypox.

                “The first two cases, we saw them nine days ago. We didn't think it was something more important than chancroid, an infection that can be treated very well with antibiotics, ”said the doctor from the La Licorne clinic, on the air on LCN.


                It is quite naturally that the doctor prescribed antibiotics intended to cure this infection. But several days later, the latter reviewed his judgment.

                "Then at home I get a text message about a very weird transmission of a viral disease called 'monkeypox virus' or 'monkey pox', which I didn't know about at the time" , said the doctor.


                Discovery

                Initially convinced that it was not this infection in the case of these patients, the doctor, very busy, got down to other priorities. But by reading new articles on the subject more attentively in the evening, he returned to his ideas.

                “Wednesday morning I called my patients from the past week to find out how they were doing. They tell me "listen, it's not getting better, the antibiotics don't work", then they tell me about a potential contact with a person hospitalized in Boston because of monkey pox, ”says Dr. Pilarski.

                Later that day, the doctor received confirmation that the Boston patient was infected with monkeypox. It was at this point that he actively suspected a monkeypox infection.



                Sexually transmitted infection?

                The name of this infection is still to be determined, but it is not currently considered sexually transmitted.

                “The sexually transmitted infection is an infection that is transmitted almost exclusively through sexual relations, which is not the case with monkeypox,” he explained.


                An atypical virus

                “It is a very atypical virus. We have not had any cases of transmission by droplets, while in West Africa it is often transmission by droplets by aerosol that we have”, reports the expert. “Then also the lesions are very localized in a single region of the body, which is often the genitals. It makes me think that maybe it's a new type of sexually transmitted disease”.



                Comment


                • #9
                  bump this

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Translation Google
                    Suspected monkeypox case investigated in Toronto

                    Radio Canada
                    at 2:14 p.m.

                    A Toronto hospital said Saturday it is examining a patient with possible monkeypox.

                    If the diagnosis is confirmed, it would be the first case identified in Ontario.

                    ...


                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------


                    Probable monkeypox case identified at Unity Health

                    May 21, 2022

                    A probable case of monkeypox presented in an outpatient at St. Michael’s Hospital on May 19. This case was identified quickly as probable monkeypox by astute clinicians and has been managed with all of the appropriate precautions. The hospital is working closely with Toronto Public Health to complete a full investigation.

                    There is currently low risk of monkeypox transmission at Unity Health, and our COVID-19 precautions have further helped to reduce risk.

                    It is possible that we will see more cases of monkeypox in Toronto. Unity Health Toronto is prepared to assess and provide safe care to patients with suspected, probable or confirmed monkeypox.

                    For more information about monkeypox, please visit the World Health Organization website.


                    A probable case of monkeypox presented in an outpatient at St. Michael’s Hospital on May 19. This case was identified quickly as probable monkeypox by astute clinicians and has been managed with all…
                    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                    -Nelson Mandela

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Toronto Public Health investigates first suspected case of monkeypox

                      News Release
                      May 21, 2022

                      Toronto Public Health (TPH) is currently investigating its first suspected case of monkeypox in an adult male resident in their 40s with recent contact with an individual who travelled to Montreal. The individual is currently stable and recovering in the hospital.

                      While the risk to the general public from this infection is very low, members of the public may have been exposed to monkeypox in the following settings:
                      • An event at the Axis Club (hosted by Prism), located at 722 College St. on May 14
                      • Woody’s bar, located at 467 Church St. on May 13 and on May 14

                      Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus that is normally found endemic in central and western Africa. It was first identified in monkeys, but its origins remain unknown. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash that often begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. Most people recover on their own without treatment.

                      In general, monkeypox does not spread easily between people. When it does, it spreads through contact with body fluids such as fluids from the monkeypox sores, contaminated clothing or bedding, or through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact. It can also be spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, can spread monkeypox through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores, or by sharing contaminated items. Common household disinfectants can kill the monkeypox virus.

                      As of May 20, a number of countries have documented clusters of cases of the monkeypox virus infection, including the United States and Canada. To date, Quebec has reported two lab-confirmed cases and 18 suspect cases. Some jurisdictions are reporting clustering of cases amongst men who report having sex with men.

                      Close contacts of people suspected or confirmed to have a monkeypox infection are advised to self-monitor for symptoms for 21 days after their last exposure. If symptoms develop, they should self-isolate, seek care and get tested.

                      Further information about monkeypox can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada website or by calling 311.

                      Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter , Instagram or Facebook .

                      Toronto Public Health Media Relations

                      News Release May 21, 2022 Toronto Public Health (TPH) is currently investigating its first suspected case of monkeypox in an adult male resident in their 40s with recent contact with an individual who travelled to Montreal. The individual is currently stable and recovering in the hospital. While the risk to the general public from this […]
                      "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                      -Nelson Mandela

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Simian smallpox| Government of Quebec

                        Now 15 cases confirmed in Quebec.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          bump this

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Update on monkeypox in Canada - May 25, 2022


                            From: Public Health Agency of Canada


                            Statement


                            May 25, 2022 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

                            The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is issuing this statement to provide an update to the evolving epidemiological investigation into monkeypox cases in Canada. PHAC is working closely with Canada's Chief Medical Officers of Health to ensure collaboration and coordination on the Government of Canada's strategic response to address this situation. Canada is taking immediate action, including providing advice on public health measures; developing infection, prevention, and control guidance (including advice on isolation of cases); assisting with laboratory testing, sequencing, and guidance to provinces and territories; and initiating vaccine supply arrangements with jurisdictions.

                            Today, PHAC is confirming a total of 16 cases of monkeypox to date in Canada. All cases have been reported in the province of Quebec. The NML is continuing to receive samples for confirmatory testing from multiple jurisdictions, and will continue to support provinces and territories with testing in their ongoing investigations.

                            At this time, cases of monkeypox are being identified and treated by local health clinics. There is ongoing planning with provinces and territories to provide access to approved vaccines in Canada that, if required, can be used in managing monkeypox in their jurisdiction. As a preparedness step, PHAC provided Quebec with a small shipment of Imvamune vaccine from Canada's National Emergency Strategic Stockpile (NESS) to support their targeted response. Similarly, as warehousing and cold chain operations are confirmed, other jurisdictions will begin receiving limited pre-positioning supply shipments. At this point, and in alignment with international expert assessments, including the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no need for the vaccine to be used for mass immunization. In Canada, experts and health authorities are continuing to investigate the spread of monkeypox and will regularly assess the situation as it evolves.

                            PHAC is also updating its interim infection, prevention and control (IPC) guidance for use by health care professionals. This updated guidance will be released in the next few days, and is based on the experience of international and domestic partners. It will be further informed by National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) recommendations in the coming weeks.

                            Public health partners across the country are collaborating and coordinating closely in light of the arrival of monkeypox in Canada. Federal, provincial and territorial Chief Medical Officers of Health (CMOHs) are meeting regularly to discuss this evolving investigation, and actions for identifying, treating and preventing further illnesses in Canada.

                            The global understanding of the monkeypox virus is still evolving. To this end, the PHAC NML is performing whole genome sequencing, an enhanced fingerprint analysis, on Canadian samples of monkeypox. This sequencing will help our experts understand the chains of transmission occurring in Canada. Furthermore, Canada is also working closely with international health partners to set the global research agenda for monkeypox at the WHO's upcoming Research and Development Blueprint meeting.

                            The Government of Canada will continue to work with the provinces and territories to assess the risks to people in Canada, respond to the evolving situation, and continue to provide updates to the public as new information becomes available.

                            https://www.canada.ca/en/public-heal...y-25-2022.html
                            "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                            -Nelson Mandela

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Translation Google

                              25 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Quebec

                              VAT NEWS
                              Thursday, 26 May 2022 09:33
                              UPDATE Thursday, 26 May 2022 09:33

                              The acting national director of public health, Dr. Luc Boileau, provided an update on the situation of monkeypox in Quebec on Thursday morning.

                              To date, 25 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Quebec; other cases are currently under observation.

                              "This is a particular situation that is certainly worrying," said Dr. Boileau at a press conference.

                              During his press briefing, Dr. Boileau was accompanied by Dr. Geneviève Bergeron, medical manager, health emergencies and infectious diseases at the Montreal Regional Public Health Department and Dr. Caroline Quach, pediatrician, microbiologist-infectiologist at the CHU Sainte-Justine, full professor at the University of Montreal and president of the CIQ.

                              The vast majority of the virus affects men who have had sex with other men for an extended period of time. Symptoms are skin lesions on the mouth and genitals.

                              Individuals experiencing such symptoms are advised to consult a health care professional as soon as possible for an evaluation.

                              The doses of vaccines to the virus provided by the federal government will be offered to individuals who have had close contact with an infected person or who present symptoms specific to the virus.

                              In the event of contact, Dr. Boileau asks the people concerned to monitor their state of health. Infected people must isolate themselves and cover their lesions as well as wear a mask during contact.

                              "We are not in a situation where there is a very strong and significant contagion [...] but it remains serious," said Dr. Boileau at a press conference.

                              "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                              -Nelson Mandela

                              Comment

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