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First case of monkeypox confirmed in Alberta

Jun 2, 2022 | 4:28 PM

Alberta has its first case of monkeypox.

The province’s chief medical officer of health announced Thursday on Twitter that one isolated case has been confirmed in an adult.

“I would like to remind Albertans that monkeypox does not spread easily between people. Transmission can occur by contact w/body fluids, sores or items recently contaminated with fluids or sores,” Hinshaw posted.

Hinshaw said that while it’s also possible to get sick from respiratory droplets after spending a long time close to an infected person, those at greatest risk are those who have had prolonged close contact with a case.

The province is not providing any identifying information. Hinshaw did state that they had close contact with a known case outside the province.

The individual is currently self-isolating and cooperating in working with Alberta Health Services to inform its investigation and contact tracing. At this time, the risk of further transmission is low, said Hinshaw.

Monkeypox is a rare disease that can cause fevers, aches and rashes, Hinshaw said. She said it is uncommon and generally considered a low risk to the public at large. Monkeypox can affect anyone in prolonged close contact with an infected person.

“This virus does not discriminate and is not limited to spread from intimate sexual activities. This kind of misinformation and stigmatization can lead to misunderstanding of risks and negative health outcomes,” said the chief medical officer of health.

Anyone who believes they have been in prolonged close contact with someone with monkeypox or is experiencing monkeypox symptoms is asked to self-isolate and call 811 or your primary care physician.

Monkeypox is reportable in Alberta as a rare or emerging communicable disease. Hinshaw concluded saying they are continuing to investigate the spread of monkeypox with federal and provincial partners and will regularly assess the situation as it evolves.