1st case of monkeypox in Sudbury area reported by health unit

The health unit in Sudbury, Ont., is confirming the first case of monkeypox in the area.

Public Health Sudbury & Districtsaid the individual likely acquired the infection in the Toronto area.

The individual is isolating and all close contacts have been identified.

"At this time, the risk to the general population remains low, as we have not detected the virus circulating in Sudbury and districts, and it does not spread easily," said Dr Penny Sutcliffe, medical officer of health.

"Public health follows up with everybody. It's not isolation that's required but really close monitoring of symptoms to make sure you don't develop any symptoms in the 21 days or three weeks following exposure."

"Residents should not be concerned going about their routine everyday activities," said Sutcliffe.

The health unit is closely monitoring the situation.

Anyone who develops symptomsor who has had contact with a suspected or known case of monkeypox should contact their health-care provider immediately.

"Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, age, or gender, can spread monkeypox through contact with body fluids, monkeypox soresor by sharing contaminated items," said Sutcliffe.

Monkeypox a rare disease for North America is usually a mild illness and treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. It spreads through close contact with an infected person, or with their clothing or linens. The virus enters the body through skin-to-skin contact with body fluids (saliva, lesions, blisters, or rashes) and through mucus membranes or respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact (breathing, talking, and coughing).

Symptoms usually develop five to 21 days after exposure and last between two to four weeks.

Sutcliffe says locally, health care providersare well aware of what to look for.

"We have shared out what we call advisory alerts, making sure clinicians have information they need at their fingertips."

"Certainly, it is a reportable disease right now," Sutcliffe said."So if a clinician, a physician or nurse practitioner forms the opinion that somebody might be infected, that they contact us. And so the system works well, or has worked well. And that is the situation here."

Symptoms include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle, joint and back pain, and exhaustion. A rash could also develop on the face or extremities, as well as hands, feet, mouthand genitals, with scabs forming later.

Sutcliffe says she believes this is the first confirmed case of monkeypox in northern Ontario.