By Fiona Robertson, July 9, 2022 at 10:57 AM
The Gray Bruce Health Unit is reporting the first laboratory-confirmed case of smallpox in the area.
The person diagnosed with the disease resides in Gray-Bruce, but most likely acquired the infection while visiting the Greater Toronto Area. They are currently self-isolated at home.
GBHU staff says the individual only had close contact in the area and is following up with that person.
“Public health wants to stress that while a case of monkeypox in Gray-Bruce has been confirmed, the risk to the community remains very low,” says Gray-Bruce’s official health doctor, the Dr. Ian Arra.
“Only people who have had direct and close contact with a person with monkeypox are at risk of acquiring the infection. This is not a virus that spreads easily. It is recommended that anyone with symptoms be isolated from home and contact your healthcare provider immediately. “
The Gray Bruce Health Unit continues to monitor closely the smallpox situation.