Saskatchewan reports first confirmed case of monkeypox

Saskatchewan public health officials have confirmed one resident has contracted monkeypox.

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, with typical symptoms including fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes.

A public health investigation is underway, including contact tracing, but officials say “acquisition likely occurred outside of the province.”

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“The risk in Saskatchewan and Canada remains low, but residents are encouraged to be aware of the symptoms and contact a health-care provider if they suspect they may be infected,” deputy chief medical health officer Dr. Julie Kryzanowski said.

The location, gender and age of the individual related to this case will not be released due to the risk of identifying them.

“Health officials will provide public notification to a community or location if the risk to others is considered high,” the province stated in a release.

Officials added that monkeypox does not spread easily from person to person and is spread through prolonged face-to-face contact, touching bodily fluids or lesions of a person who is sick with the disease, or exposure to contaminated objects like bed linens or clothing.

The province is asking anyone who recently traveled to areas of Canada or other parts of the world with confirmed monkeypox cases or those who have been in contact with someone with suspected or confirmed monkeypox to monitor for symptoms.

If individuals develop a fever or other symptoms of illness within three weeks of coming back to Saskatchewan, they should call HealthLine 811 or consult a health-care provider immediately.

The health ministry and Saskatchewan Health Authority have increased surveillance for monkeypox. Health-care providers have also been made aware of signs, symptoms and treatment.

Kryzanowski also noted they are looking at a vaccine for monkeypox.

“In terms of the follow up, there is the advice that’s been provided by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization for use of a vaccine that may protect contacts from developing monkeypox infection.”

She added that the vaccine supply is limited in Canada, and Saskatchewan will be handing it out to people they deem to be high risk.

“The risk is low to residents in Saskatchewan and Canada generally. But for people who are exposed to monkeypox, for people who develop monkeypox as an infectious disease, it can cause complications. The symptoms may be severe in terms of the presentation, so it is important that people are able to receive the correct diagnosis, the correct treatment, and that contacts can be notified as well.”