First Case of Monkeypox identified in KFL&A Region

KINGSTON – Yesterday, KFL&A Public Health received the first lab confirm ed case of monkeypox in our region.
Contact tracing efforts are complete and case management continues for this individual. The risk to the general public at this time is low.
“Monkeypox virus has been circulating in the province for a few months now and we did expect it would arrive in the KFL&A region. There is no increased risk of monkeypox to KFL&A residents deriving from this case,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health for KFL&A Public Health. “In general, monkeypox does not spread easily between people. KFLA residents should not be concerned going about their everyday activities in the community. We recommend that individuals are aware of symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms present.”

Monkeypox is a viral disease that spreads through close contact with an infected individual and is usually found to be endemic in Central and Western Africa. While anyone can get monkeypox, in Ontario, the most commonly reported risk factors for developing the illness include engaging in sexual or intimate contact with new or more than one partner. It is spread by person-to-person contact with body fluids, such as fluids from the monkeypox lesions, or from dried up scabs, contaminated clothing or bedding, or through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact.

While monkeypox is in the same family as smallpox, monkeypox presents with much milder symptoms and is less contagious. Symptoms can present within five to 21 days of exposure to someone who has the virus.
Symptoms can include:

Rash or blister in mouth and around genital areas
Swollen lymph nodes
Fever and chills
Muscle aches
Headaches
Exhaustion

Residents who experience symptoms should contact their health care provider as soon as possible. Symptoms are often manageable, and individuals typically recover within 2 to 4 weeks. Most people recover on their own without treatment. 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. Ministry of Health currently make vaccine available to high-risk groups in communities where transmission is occurring (pre-exposure prophylaxis). People who have had close contact with confirmed cases will be contacted by public health to arrange for post exposure vaccination.

KFL&A Public Health has communicated with local physicians and provided information on symptoms, laboratory testing and diagnosis, infection control precautions, treatment, and reporting requirements for monkeypox.

For information about monkeypox, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website or KFL&A Public Health’s website.
—30—