A Second Case Of Smallpox Has Been Confirmed In Saskatchewan

On Friday, public health officials confirmed that a second Saskatchewan resident has contracted monkeypox, a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. This case is not epidemiologically linked to the first case announced on July 13, and the risk of transmission in Saskatchewan remains low. The public health investigation, including contact tracing, is ongoing, but indicates that the acquisition likely took place outside the province. Due to the risk of identifying the individual, information about the location, gender and age of the patient will not be released. Health officials will provide public notification to a community or location if the risk to others is deemed high. Additionally, confirmed cases of monkeypox in Saskatchewan will be reported to Public Health Canada per standard reporting practices. Monkey pox is not easily spread from person to person. It is spread through prolonged close face-to-face contact, contact with body fluids or lesions of a person who is sick with the disease, or exposure to contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing. Typical symptoms include fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes. If you have recently traveled to areas of Canada or the world with confirmed cases of monkeypox or have been in contact with a person with suspected or confirmed smallpox and develop a fever or other symptoms of illness within three weeks of your return to Saskatchewan, you should call HealthLine 811 or consult a health care provider immediately. More information is available at saskatchewan.ca/monkeypox. -Advertising-