Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Toronto Public Health confirms first case of monkeypox
News Release
May 26, 2022
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has received notification confirming Toronto’s first reported case of monkeypox virus.
Today, TPH also received laboratory confirmation that two residents who were categorized as suspected cases have tested negative. Four newly-suspected cases of monkeypox were reported to TPH as well. This brings the total number of probable cases to one and suspect cases to four. These five individuals are undergoing laboratory testing to confirm if they have this virus and are currently recovering at home.
A probable case of monkeypox is defined as a person with signs and symptoms of the virus including a rash and contact with a confirmed or probable case, travel to a region where a confirmed case has been detected or exposure to an infected animal. Individuals lacking an epidemiological link but with the required signs and symptoms including the rash are classified as suspected cases.
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, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes and a rash that often appears within a few days after symptoms begin and starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. Most people recover on their own without treatment.
Monkeypox 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.
While monkeypox does not generally spread easily between people, because it has now been detected in Toronto, residents should be aware of the virus’ symptoms described above. TPH is asking residents who have these signs and symptoms to report them to their health care provider as soon as possible. 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. Health care providers are reminded that individuals suspected of monkeypox infection must be reported to Public Health Ontario. As with many other diseases spread through close contact, people can lower their risk by maintaining physical distance, frequent hand washing and respiratory hygiene including masking.
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 lab-confirmed cases and suspect cases. Monkeypox is transmitted through prolonged face-to-face contact or body contact with an infected individual, even before the onset of symptoms.
TPH continues to follow up with anyone thought to be exposed to monkeypox. TPH also continues to work closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Public Health Ontario, and the Ontario Ministry of Health. TPH has communicated with local physicians to provide information on symptoms, laboratory testing and diagnosis, infection control precautions, treatment and reporting requirements for monkeypox.
More information about monkeypox can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website
. or by calling Toronto Public Health’s hotline at 416-338-7600. Additional information is also available on the Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance webpage .
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
TPHmedia@toronto.ca
https://www.toronto.ca/news/toronto-...-of-monkeypox/
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Update on monkeypox in Canada
From: Public Health Agency of Canada
Statement
May 26, 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.
Today, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is confirming additional cases of monkeypox in Canada. In addition to the previously reported sixteen confirmed cases in Quebec, PHAC's National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) has confirmed another 10 cases. There are now 26 confirmed cases in Canada. The breakdown by province is: Quebec (25) and Ontario (1). It is likely that additional cases will be reported in the coming days as the NML is continuing to receive samples for confirmatory testing from multiple jurisdictions.
Human cases of monkeypox have been recently reported in over 20 countries worldwide. Before now, Canada has not seen person-to-person spread of monkeypox. We are continuing to collaborate with international partners to better understand the arrival of this virus in countries outside of Africa. PHAC, together with health authorities at all levels are actively addressing the situation in Canada to provide the people in Canada with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.
The NML is working to facilitate and support laboratory testing capacity in jurisdictions across the country. The Agency is engaging with experts to finalize and release public health guidance on case identification, contact tracing and isolation, as well as infection and prevention control for the healthcare system. The NML is also completing 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.
Additionally, there is ongoing work to plan the way forward with provinces, territories and partners, such as providing access to approved vaccines in Canada that, if required, can be used in managing monkeypox in their jurisdiction. As a preparedness step, limited shipments of Imvamune vaccine from Canada's National Emergency Strategic Stockpile (NESS) are being offered to jurisdictions who require a targeted response. Currently, there is no need for the vaccine to be used for mass immunization. This recommendation is in alignment with international expert assessments, including the World Health Organization (WHO). The situation in Canada is under close and constant monitoring and may be adapted as and when the need arises.
While the risk of infection is currently low for the general population, monkeypox virus can affect anyone who is in close contact with an infected person or their contaminated objects. Contrary to some recent media reports, this virus does not discriminate and is not limited to spread from intimate sexual activities. This kind of misinformation and stigmatization can lead to misunderstanding of risks and negative health outcomes. Canada's Chief Medical Officers of Health are meeting regularly and working collaboratively to analyze available information about these emerging human infections that before now, have never before been reported in Canada.
Canadians should be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox. Anyone who may have come into contact with a case or who is feeling unwell or has symptoms that could be consistent with monkeypox infection, should limit their contact with others and report their symptoms to their health care provider. Common signs and symptoms of monkeypox infection include fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, and development of a new rash. Following infection, the incubation period (number of days between exposure/infection and onset of symptoms) is normally 6-13 days but can range to as much as 21 days. Health care providers are urged to be extra vigilant and closely watch for patients with any symptoms of monkeypox, even atypical presentation, regardless of whether they have reported travel.
The Government of Canada will continue to work with the provinces and territories to respond to the evolving situation, and will continue to provide updates to the public as new information becomes available.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-heal...in-canada.html
News Release
May 26, 2022
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has received notification confirming Toronto’s first reported case of monkeypox virus.
Today, TPH also received laboratory confirmation that two residents who were categorized as suspected cases have tested negative. Four newly-suspected cases of monkeypox were reported to TPH as well. This brings the total number of probable cases to one and suspect cases to four. These five individuals are undergoing laboratory testing to confirm if they have this virus and are currently recovering at home.
A probable case of monkeypox is defined as a person with signs and symptoms of the virus including a rash and contact with a confirmed or probable case, travel to a region where a confirmed case has been detected or exposure to an infected animal. Individuals lacking an epidemiological link but with the required signs and symptoms including the rash are classified as suspected cases.
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, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes and a rash that often appears within a few days after symptoms begin and starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. Most people recover on their own without treatment.
Monkeypox 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.
While monkeypox does not generally spread easily between people, because it has now been detected in Toronto, residents should be aware of the virus’ symptoms described above. TPH is asking residents who have these signs and symptoms to report them to their health care provider as soon as possible. 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. Health care providers are reminded that individuals suspected of monkeypox infection must be reported to Public Health Ontario. As with many other diseases spread through close contact, people can lower their risk by maintaining physical distance, frequent hand washing and respiratory hygiene including masking.
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 lab-confirmed cases and suspect cases. Monkeypox is transmitted through prolonged face-to-face contact or body contact with an infected individual, even before the onset of symptoms.
TPH continues to follow up with anyone thought to be exposed to monkeypox. TPH also continues to work closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Public Health Ontario, and the Ontario Ministry of Health. TPH has communicated with local physicians to provide information on symptoms, laboratory testing and diagnosis, infection control precautions, treatment and reporting requirements for monkeypox.
More information about monkeypox can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website
. or by calling Toronto Public Health’s hotline at 416-338-7600. Additional information is also available on the Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance webpage .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
TPHmedia@toronto.ca
https://www.toronto.ca/news/toronto-...-of-monkeypox/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update on monkeypox in Canada
From: Public Health Agency of Canada
Statement
May 26, 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.
Today, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is confirming additional cases of monkeypox in Canada. In addition to the previously reported sixteen confirmed cases in Quebec, PHAC's National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) has confirmed another 10 cases. There are now 26 confirmed cases in Canada. The breakdown by province is: Quebec (25) and Ontario (1). It is likely that additional cases will be reported in the coming days as the NML is continuing to receive samples for confirmatory testing from multiple jurisdictions.
Human cases of monkeypox have been recently reported in over 20 countries worldwide. Before now, Canada has not seen person-to-person spread of monkeypox. We are continuing to collaborate with international partners to better understand the arrival of this virus in countries outside of Africa. PHAC, together with health authorities at all levels are actively addressing the situation in Canada to provide the people in Canada with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.
The NML is working to facilitate and support laboratory testing capacity in jurisdictions across the country. The Agency is engaging with experts to finalize and release public health guidance on case identification, contact tracing and isolation, as well as infection and prevention control for the healthcare system. The NML is also completing 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.
Additionally, there is ongoing work to plan the way forward with provinces, territories and partners, such as providing access to approved vaccines in Canada that, if required, can be used in managing monkeypox in their jurisdiction. As a preparedness step, limited shipments of Imvamune vaccine from Canada's National Emergency Strategic Stockpile (NESS) are being offered to jurisdictions who require a targeted response. Currently, there is no need for the vaccine to be used for mass immunization. This recommendation is in alignment with international expert assessments, including the World Health Organization (WHO). The situation in Canada is under close and constant monitoring and may be adapted as and when the need arises.
While the risk of infection is currently low for the general population, monkeypox virus can affect anyone who is in close contact with an infected person or their contaminated objects. Contrary to some recent media reports, this virus does not discriminate and is not limited to spread from intimate sexual activities. This kind of misinformation and stigmatization can lead to misunderstanding of risks and negative health outcomes. Canada's Chief Medical Officers of Health are meeting regularly and working collaboratively to analyze available information about these emerging human infections that before now, have never before been reported in Canada.
Canadians should be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox. Anyone who may have come into contact with a case or who is feeling unwell or has symptoms that could be consistent with monkeypox infection, should limit their contact with others and report their symptoms to their health care provider. Common signs and symptoms of monkeypox infection include fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, and development of a new rash. Following infection, the incubation period (number of days between exposure/infection and onset of symptoms) is normally 6-13 days but can range to as much as 21 days. Health care providers are urged to be extra vigilant and closely watch for patients with any symptoms of monkeypox, even atypical presentation, regardless of whether they have reported travel.
The Government of Canada will continue to work with the provinces and territories to respond to the evolving situation, and will continue to provide updates to the public as new information becomes available.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-heal...in-canada.html
