B.C. confirms its first monkeypox case

The BC Centre for Disease Control has confirmed a case of monkeypox in a person who lives in Vancouver. This is B.C.’s first case of the virus.

“Vancouver Coastal Health is conducting public health follow-up,” reads a statement from the BCCDC.

A case of monkeypox has been confirmed in B.C. through laboratory testing at the BC Centre for Disease Control and awaiting confirmation at the National Microbiology Laboratory. Vancouver Coastal Health is conducting public health follow-up.
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— BC Centre for Disease Control (@CDCofBC) June 6, 2022

“This someone who’s been confirmed through laboratory testing at the BCCDC,” Health Minister Adrian Dix said. “You’ll recall the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we further confirmed such cases through the national centre … that’s the final confirmation. Nonetheless, we’re confident that this case is in place.”

“As of last Thursday, I believe there were 56 cases in Canada, 54 of them in the province of Quebec,” he added.

According to the BCCDC, the risk of monkeypox to the general public is very low.

Related article: Monkeypox outbreaks prompt concern over possible stigma

Monkeypox is spread through contact with sores and items like bedding or towels that have been contaminated. It can also spread through respiratory droplets such as coughs and sneezes. While the virus is not known to transmit through semen, vaginal or rectal fluids, it does spread through close contact during sexual activity.

Many recent infections around the world are among young men who have sex with other men, but the virus can affect anyone through close person-to-person contact.

There is a vaccine available in Canada, though the BCCDC says there is no need for the general public to receive it.

“[The vaccine] can be used to manage spread of monkeypox and prevent serious illness in people who have been exposed. For every case, public health teams will assess if vaccination is appropriate for close contacts. Vaccine does not have benefit for those who are already infected.”

Read more:

• World needs to up game against emerging infectious diseases: Tam

• Monkeypox WHO expert doesn’t expect pandemic as situation evolves

People who have been exposed to monkeypox are told to monitor for symptoms. Symptoms of monkeypox can present from 5-21 days after exposure.

They include: fever, intense headache, lymphadenophathy, back pain, myalgia, fatigue. A rash evolves to pustules, before crusting, which then scale off. Lesions are often painful and itchy.

If you develop symptoms, see a doctor. Wear a mask and cover the lesions, and inform the clinic ahead of time of the reason for your visit. Limit close contact, including sexual contact with others.