Halton Region reports first monkeypox case

Halton Region has confirmed its first reported case of the monkeypox virus.

The region’s public health unit says the person is isolating at home. All contacts have been notified.

“While most people infected with monkeypox will have mild symptoms, some people such as children, pregnant women and those with immunodeficiencies are at higher risk for severe disease,” said Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hamidah Meghani.

“If you have symptoms of monkeypox, it is important to stay home and call your doctor to be assessed. When seeking medical care you should wear a high quality medical mask and cover up all lesions.”

The news comes after the Public Health Agency of Canada has warned travellers to be extra careful when abroad due to rising cases.

The agency says Canadians in other jurisdictions could find themselves subjected to isolation, or other measures, meant to limit the spread of the virus.

The government’s travel notice applies to several countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany.

Symptoms of monkeypox typically include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, low energy, muscle aches and skin rash or lesions.

The rash usually begins within one to three days of the start of a fever.

The virus can spread by respiratory secretions, direct contact with skin lesions, and/or contact with materials contaminated with the virus.

Halton Region Public Health says they will continue to monitor the situation. Updates can be found on the region’s monkeypox webpage.