MANILA, Philippines – Monkeypox, a rare viral infection, has been detected in Canada, according to their public health agency on Thursday, May 19.
The two cases were considered the first monkeypox infections in Canada after local authorities said they were monitoring 17 suspected cases. Canada’s cases are among the growing number of monkeypox cases around the world.
The first case of monkeypox was first confirmed in Britain last May 7. Since then, 9 more cases have been confirmed on May 18 by the UK Health Security Agency (HSA). Meanwhile, Portuguese health officials said they have confirmed 5 cases while more than 20 have been confirmed in Spain.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said they detected monkeypox in a man who had recently traveled to Canada. Officials at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said they are closely monitoring 6 individuals suspected of monkeypox.
Jennifer McQuiston, deputy director of the Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology within the CDC's National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases noted how monkeypox is spreading in Canada, Great Britain, Italy, Northern Ireland and Spain. However, the public shouldn’t be concerned, she says.
"At the same time, there really aren't that many cases that are being reported -- I think maybe a dozen, a couple dozen -- so, the general public should not be concerned that they are at immediate risk for monkeypox," McQuiston explained.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) has assured the public that no case of monkeypox has been detected within the Philippines or in its territorial borders. They said to intensify screening to avoid the entry of the disease in the Philippines.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection. It was first discovered in 1958 in laboratory monkeys, hence the name "Monkeypox." According to the CDC, the first human cases were reported in 1970.
In humans, monkeypox is similar to that of smallpox and typically lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.
Common symptoms: fever and headache.
In the first 1 to 3 days, the patient may develop a rash on their face until it spreads to the rest of their body. The following lesions will progress:
Other symptoms:
There’s still no treatment for monkeypox but suspected patient are isolated to stop the spread of the infection.
— Sally, The Summit Express
The two cases were considered the first monkeypox infections in Canada after local authorities said they were monitoring 17 suspected cases. Canada’s cases are among the growing number of monkeypox cases around the world.
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| Monkeypox, similar to smallpox, is rare form of viral infection |
The first case of monkeypox was first confirmed in Britain last May 7. Since then, 9 more cases have been confirmed on May 18 by the UK Health Security Agency (HSA). Meanwhile, Portuguese health officials said they have confirmed 5 cases while more than 20 have been confirmed in Spain.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said they detected monkeypox in a man who had recently traveled to Canada. Officials at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said they are closely monitoring 6 individuals suspected of monkeypox.
Jennifer McQuiston, deputy director of the Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology within the CDC's National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases noted how monkeypox is spreading in Canada, Great Britain, Italy, Northern Ireland and Spain. However, the public shouldn’t be concerned, she says.
"At the same time, there really aren't that many cases that are being reported -- I think maybe a dozen, a couple dozen -- so, the general public should not be concerned that they are at immediate risk for monkeypox," McQuiston explained.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) has assured the public that no case of monkeypox has been detected within the Philippines or in its territorial borders. They said to intensify screening to avoid the entry of the disease in the Philippines.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection. It was first discovered in 1958 in laboratory monkeys, hence the name "Monkeypox." According to the CDC, the first human cases were reported in 1970.
In humans, monkeypox is similar to that of smallpox and typically lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.
Common symptoms: fever and headache.
In the first 1 to 3 days, the patient may develop a rash on their face until it spreads to the rest of their body. The following lesions will progress:
- Macules
- Papules
- Vesicles
- Pustules
- Scabs
Other symptoms:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Backache
- Muscle pains
- Chills
- Fatigue or exhaustion
There’s still no treatment for monkeypox but suspected patient are isolated to stop the spread of the infection.
— Sally, The Summit Express
