By Glenn Hendry Posted June 30, 2022 at 2:54 pm (CDC photo) Durham County has its first confirmed smallpox outbreak, one of 67 counties in Ontario confirmed by Public Health. The majority of cases – 54 – are from Toronto, with Ottawa (3), Halton (2) and Middlesex-London (2) also confirming multiple cases. Isolated cases have been confirmed in Durham and Peel, Haldimand-Norfolk, Peterborough, Simcoe-Muskoka and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph areas. All 67 cases are men, ranging in age from 23-60 years There are also five “possible” cases of smallpox in monkeys – including a female – from Toronto, Peel and London. A representative from the office of Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham County Health Officer, confirmed the Ontario Public Health report. The community of origin of the confirmed case was not disclosed to protect the identity of the individual. The most commonly reported symptoms of the virus include rash, oral / genital lesions, swollen lymph nodes, headache, fever, chills, myalgia, and fatigue. The most commonly reported risk factors are:
engaging in sexual or intimate contact (eg hugs, kisses, hugs) with young people and / or more than one partner Travel, immunosuppression, or close contact with someone outside the province have been reported less frequently.
Although cases have been found mainly among men who report having sex or having close contact with other males, anyone can get monkey pox. Various factors that may increase the potential risk of exposure include close, sexual and / or other close contact with someone who has a monkey rash, sore or scabies. Insauga Advertising Standards and Writing Policies
