Monkeypox cases in Canada surpass 1K, with most in Ontario
Global News
Ontario reported a total of 478 monkeypox cases, making it the province with the most cases in Canada while Quebec reported 425 cases.
As of Aug. 10, monkeypox cases in the country hit 1,008 according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
Ontario reported a total of 478 monkeypox cases, making it the province with the most cases in Canada, while Quebec reported 425 cases. British Columbia recorded 85 cases and Alberta reported 16. Saskatchewan and Yukon reported two each.
Monkeypox is a viral infectious disease related to smallpox, from which most people recover on their own after a few weeks, but people can become very sick and could die in some circumstances, according to PHAC.
PHAC states on their website that the agency will continue to collect and analyze epidemiological information on monkeypox reported by provinces and territories in an effort to “determine if there are any increased health risks to people in Canada.”
“The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with provinces, territories and international partners, including the World Health Organization, to actively monitor the situation.”
Symptoms of monkeypox include a painful rash that could last between 14 and 28 days, which can be accompanied by fever, chills, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, joint pain, back pain or exhaustion.
Individuals who are infected are advised to self-isolate and reach out to their health-care provider or local public health authority, PHAC says.
According to the U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 31,800 monkeypox cases across 87 countries in the world as of Aug. 9.
As migratory birds return to Canada this spring, health officials are bracing for a potential surge in bird flu cases as many may be carrying the virus.
Zelenirstat, a cancer-fighting pill made in Alberta, may have the power to save lives — but millions more in clinical trial funding and donations are needed to make it a reality.