Monkeypox In Bc Number Of Cases Symptoms And Vaccine Information

According to the BC Center for Disease Control, 18 cases had been confirmed in the province as of Thursday. All confirmed cases are in the Vancouver Coastal Health Region. The virus is spread through intimate contact, and Health Canada says so far, most cases in the country have been in men who have sex with men. Last month, when there were just two cases in BC, the Ministry of Health told CTV News that the provincial health officer and the BC Center for Disease Control are working closely with provincial, territorial and federal agencies in a “coordinated outbreak response” to manage the illness. That answer for now is to ensure case reporting. Health care providers should use national case reporting forms and laboratory testing protocols should be in accordance with those of the Public Health Service of Canada. In addition, vaccination strategies are being coordinated with officials outside of BC to “ensure we are preventing the spread of the virus, as effectively as possible.” As for the vaccines, the ministry said they will be available for close contacts and that it is working with at-risk communities to determine the need for wider vaccination campaigns. Some tell CTV News they were able to take the shot without making close contact because they are considered at risk. As for why the shots aren’t available to everyone, the ministry said they simply aren’t enough. “Health Canada maintains a limited supply of vaccine that protects against monkeypox,” the ministry said. Monkey pox is a viral disease transmitted through direct contact with contaminated objects, humans and animals. Symptoms include lesions or sores on the skin, including inside the mouth and on the genitals and peranal area. People with monkeypox also usually have a fever and swollen lymph nodes, Health Canada says. Early signs include headache, muscle pain, back pain, chills and exhaustion, but some mild cases may go undiagnosed. Despite transmission in Canada, the disease is still considered rare.

Mapping by Esri Canada, Data Source: Global.Health