Appointments are available July 19 and 20, and the health authority plans to expand the vaccination program to central and northern Vancouver Island next week. The first case of monkeypox on Vancouver Island was confirmed on July 7. The affected person resides on the south island of Vancouver. The health authority said the risk to the general public is very low and reiterated that monkeypox generally does not spread easily between humans. While most, but not all, recent global infections are among men who identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men, the virus can affect anyone through close person-to-person contact. Vaccinations are provided to high-risk contacts identified through contact tracing. Symptoms for monkeypox usually appear one to two weeks after exposure, but can take anywhere from five to 21 days to appear. The illness can occur in two stages, with flu-like symptoms appearing first, followed by a rash usually with sores/blisters. However, many people only experience the rash. People are considered infectious from the first appearance of symptoms until the sores peel, dry, and new skin appears. Island Health said most people with monkeypox have mild symptoms and do not need specific interventions. Those who want to get vaccinated can book online.
