'The risk to the community is very low': London sees first case of monkeypox

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. 

During the MLHU press briefing, City of London Mayor Ed Holder wished the patient a "speedy recovery."

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.