Alberta has identified three more cases of monkeypox since last week and a vaccination program is being conducted for people who have been exposed, in an effort to contain the transmission.
So far, a total of eight adults in the Calgary and Edmonton areas have tested positive in the province.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 300 cases of monkeypox in the country have been confirmed, the vast majority in Quebec (211) and Ontario (77).
Monkeypox is an orthopoxvirus and, although it is similar to smallpox, which was eradicated worldwide in 1980, it is less severe.
“I was hoping they would find a few more cases as contact tracking continues. I know Alberta Health Services is doing a lot of work to try to locate all the people who might have one connection or another between them and get it. Tips for Finding the disease, ”said David Evans, a professor in the department of medical microbiology and immunology at the University of Alberta.
“No doubt the numbers will increase a little more as we continue to uncover additional cases or find some additional transmission chains. But I don’t expect them to make that kind of exponential leap we saw with COVID, for example.”
In a tweet on Monday, Alberta’s medical director of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, said contacts are being tracked for the last three cases.
I would like to offer an update on monkeypox. A total of 8 adult cases have now been identified in Alberta, all in Edmonton & Calgary Areas. Research and contact research are ongoing. The overall risk in the province remains low. (1/4)
– @ CMOH_Alberta
Smallpox vaccine is offered
As the outbreak grows worldwide, Alberta health officials are offering a single dose of the smallpox vaccine to people who have close contact with known cases.
This would include sexual partners, people sharing a home, and health care workers who provided care without proper personal protective equipment.
As of Monday, eight people had been immunized with Imvamune, which is approved for use in Canada.
Ideally, the vaccine is given within four days of exposure to the virus to prevent the disease. But it can be given over a period of two weeks to reduce symptoms.
Craig Jenne is an associate professor of microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases at the University of Calgary. (Jennifer Lee / CBC)
“If a person thinks they have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms (including fever, swollen glands, new sores, rashes), they should call 811,” Hinshaw said on Twitter.
According to Craig Jenne, an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases at the University of Calgary, the overall risk to the general public is quite low, but he expects monkeypox to exist in the foreseeable future.
“It’s still spreading. But it’s spreading slowly,” Jenne said.
“While we are aware of it, we know it’s out there, we’ve encouraged people to take precautions, there’s still a low level of transmission, and unfortunately that can go on for a while whether it’s transmission here in Canada or … People who acquire it during travel and who present with the virus once they return to Canada “.
Jenne believes a public awareness campaign will be key to moving forward to ensure people understand the risks and how to protect themselves.
Health officials have said most cases worldwide have been among men who have reported sexual contact with other men, but say the virus can be spread to anyone exposed to an infected person or contaminated objects.