2nd Case of Monkeypox in Northeastern Ontario Discovered in Nipissing District

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has detected the first case of monkeypox in the district.

The health unit said the person was likely infected in the Toronto area and is self-isolating at home. Officials have notified their close contacts.

“The risk of contracting monkeypox remains very low in the health unit district, as there is no evidence that the virus is circulating locally,” the health unit said in a news release.

« Based on the low risk, only close contacts will be offered post-exposure prophylaxis. »

On July 12, Public Health Sudbury & Districts reported the first case of monkeypox discovered in northeastern Ontario.

Monkeypox – a rare disease in North America – is usually a mild illness and treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.

Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit said monkeypox can be spread through close contact with an infected person and can enter the body through skin-to-skin contact with lesions and blisters or bodily fluids such as saliva.

If anyone develops symptoms or has been in close contact with someone who tested positive for monkeypox, they should contact their doctor or the health unit immediately.