The Saskatchewan Health Authority is warning the public about contracting monkeypox through anonymous sexual contact.
The SHA has recently known cases associated with this source of transmission that is also related to travel in and out of the province; that has caused this alert.
People who believe they have been exposed can contact Healthline 811 to determine if they are considered at risk or eligible for a vaccine.
Eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine has been expanded to adults 18 years of age and older who have close contacts or are considered to be at higher risk of exposure. Referrals are available through 811.
Monkey pox is a rare viral disease that causes fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and lethargy, followed by the development of a rash over a person’s body.
However, Monkeypox is not easily spread from person to person. It is distributed through:
• Close, personal contact, often skin to skin; • touching body fluids or injuries of a person with the disease; or • exposure to contaminated items such as bedding or clothing.
If you have recently been in contact with someone with suspected or confirmed chickenpox and develops a fever or other symptoms of illness, you should call HealthLine 811 or see a health care provider immediately.
The Ministry of Health and the SHA have increased surveillance of monkeypox and alerted health providers about signs, symptoms and treatment.
Saskatchewan health officials are continuing to work with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg to investigate any other potential cases of Monkeypox in Saskatchewan.
For more information on Monkeypox, click here.