Grey-Bruce Health Unit reports first confirmed case of monkeypox

The Grey Bruce Health Unit reported the first confirmed case of monkeypox in the area on Saturday, but stresses the community risk remains “very low.”

The Grey Bruce Health Unit reported the first confirmed case of monkeypox in the area on Saturday, but stresses the community risk remains “very low.”

A news release from the health unit said the person diagnosed with monkeypox lives in Grey-Bruce, but likely became infected while visiting the Toronto area.

The person is currently self-isolating at home. The health unit said staff has identified only one close contact in the area and is following up with that person.

“Public Health would like to stress that although a case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Grey-Bruce, the risk to the community remains very low,” Grey-Bruce medical officer of health Dr. Ian Arra said.

A case of monkeypox, a viral zoonotic disease, was also reported in the London area last month.

The virus was first reported in Canada on May 19. As of July 6, Canadian provinces and territories have reported a combined 358 cases, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The health unit said just over 100 of those cases were reported in Ontario.