First case of Monkeypox confirmed in Brant

The first case of Monkeypox in Brant has been confirmed.

The Brant County Health Unit received laboratory confirmation of the rare disease in a resident.

The health unit says it has been in contact with the individual and has initiated case management for close contacts.

Monkeypox is a rare disease and is part of the same family as Smallpox. Monkeypox causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, headache, exhaustion and a rash that often appears a few days after symptoms begin.

The health unit says the risk to the general public at this time is low. They will be offering immunization clinics in the near future.

More information on dates and eligibility criteria will be posted on their website.