The first case in the country’s capital was confirmed on June 10. The latest number comes from a recently released report by provincial health officials, which shows 156 confirmed cases across the province, the vast majority in Toronto. Ottawa Public Health says it’s still seeing people test positive for the virus, but vaccines are slowing the spread.
PLEASE READ & RT: We continue to see people test positive for monkeypox in Ottawa. Vaccines play an important role in slowing the spread. Find out if you qualify for the vaccine and make an appointment here: pic.twitter.com/50Hi7NmaJF — Ottawa Public Health (@OttawaHealth) July 12, 2022 “OPH, in collaboration with our community partners, administers vaccines to people at higher risk of monkeypox – this is known as pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP. We are working closely with our partners to share information with those most affected communities. We encourage all eligible individuals to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” OPH said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa. “OPH continues to work with community partners to provide additional clinics – including in a variety of different settings. We are monitoring the need for additional clinic capacity to ensure that eligible residents have access to the vaccine. We are also using a targeted approach to reach individuals using digital ads through various mobile apps.” Monkey pox vaccination clinics are underway at the Centretown Community Health Centre. Details on how to make a monkeypox vaccine can be found on the Ottawa Public Health website. While Ontario’s total number of cases has surpassed 100, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said the province’s vaccination strategy is working to stabilize growth in the province. Monkey pox is an infectious disease caused by a virus found in certain species of wildlife in central and western Africa. Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, headache, exhaustion, and a rash that often appears on the face and extremities a few days after symptoms begin. The virus can be spread to another person through contact with exposed skin, the respiratory tract, or the eyes, nose, or mouth. Public Health Ontario says the most commonly cited risk factors include sexual or intimate contact with young people and/or more than one partner. Although cases have mostly been identified among men who report having sex or intimate contact with other males, anyone can get monkeypox. Ottawa Public Health offers the following tips on how to prevent the spread of monkeypox:
Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone who has or may have monkeypox. Avoid skin-to-skin contact with monkeypox rashes or lesions. Avoid sharing items such as toothbrushes, utensils, sex toys or drug paraphernalia. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces (such as door handles and telephones). Avoid touching bedding and clothing that has been in contact with a person or animal that may have the virus. Avoid contact with sick or dead animals Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for someone at home who has the virus, including a medical mask and disposable gloves for direct contact with lesions.
–With files from CTV’s Josh Pringle.
