Monkeypox identified in the region: MLHU

The first case of monkeypox in the region has been identified, according to the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

The first case of monkeypox in the region has been identified, according to the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU).

According to a release, health unit staff have determined that the person diagnosed with the illness had no close contacts who require post-exposure prophylaxis or additional follow-up from public health.

“The person is doing well. While we are reporting this first local case of monkeypox, the risk to the community remains very low,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers.

During a press briefing on Monday, Summers added that the MLHU is "confident" in their ability to handle the monkeypox situation in the London region, and that the city is working with local and provincial health care partners as the situation evolves. 

Summers added that in this particular case, it is believed the infection was travel-related and not community spread. 

Monkeypox is a viral illness, which is endemic in parts of central and western Africa. It can be spread to people through direct contact with the bodily fluids or lesions of infected people or animals, as well as from contaminated clothing or bedding and through respiratory droplets following prolonged exposure to an infected person.

Symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and lethargy, followed by the development of a rash (pox lesions). The rash can appear on the face and extremities a few days after symptoms begin and can spread to other parts of the body.