Ottawa: Monkeypox in Canada, at total 1168 confirmed cases, have been reported nationally, raising concern for the health authorities.
According to the data, monkeypox cases in Ontario (571); Quebec (453); British Columbia (119); Alberta (19); Saskatchewan (3); Yukon (2) and New Brunswick (1) have been reported so far.
Currently, over 99% of reported cases are male and the median age is 36 years. Among confirmed cases for whom additional information is available, the majority reported intimate sexual contact with other men, officials said.
At this time, to lower the overall risk of getting infected & spreading the virus, PHAC recommends using condoms and practicing safer sex, including having fewer sexual partners & talking openly to partners about sexual health history.
Health Canada advised people of minimizing skin to skin contact, especially at crowded events/venues, like parties, raves & clubs and avoiding close physical contact, incl. sexual contact, with anyone infected or possibly exposed to monkeypox (even if no symptoms) reduces risk.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Fitzgerald said, “We will be launching a focused vaccination campaign for those at highest risk of infection based on what we currently know about monkeypox and its spread in Canada.”