The Grey Bruce Health Unit is confirming the first case of monkeypox in the region.
The person diagnosed with the illness resides in Grey-Bruce but likely acquired the infection while visiting the Greater Toronto Area. They are currently self-isolating at home.
Grey-Bruce Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ian Arra says that Public Health would like to stress that although there is now a confirmed case of monkeypox in the region, the risk to the community is very low.
“Only individuals who have had close, direct contact with a person with monkeypox are at risk of acquiring the infection. This is not a virus that spreads easily. Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to self-isolate at home and contact their healthcare provider immediately,” said Arra.
The symptoms of monkeypox usually develop 5-21 days after exposure and happen in two stages.
Stage one includes fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and lethargy.
Stage two can see the development of a rash or skin lesions, usually one to three days after the fever starts. The rash typically starts on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.
Monkeypox can spread from person to person with close physical contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids or skin lesions.
It can also be spread by coming into contact with an infected person’s bedding or clothing.
Infections are typically mild, with most people recovering within 2-4 weeks.
