Lambton Public Health reports first local case of monkeypox

Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health is reporting the first laboratory-confirmed case of monkeypox in Lambton County.

The infected individual resides in Lambton, however they most likely acquired it outside the county. The individual is currently self-isolating at home, and LPH staff have followed up with potential close contacts.

“Although a case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Lambton, transmission is not widespread at this time,” said Dr. Sudit Ranade, acting Medical Officer of Health for Lambton County.

LPH has been monitoring the outbreak of monkeypox in Ontario since the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirmed the province’s first case on May 26, 2022.

Monkeypox is a viral disease that enters the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes. Infections are typically mild with most people recovering on their own in two to four weeks.

The spread of monkeypox from person to person can occur through close contact with an infected individual’s bodily fluids or skin lesions. It can also be transmitted when a person comes into contact with contaminated clothing or bedding. At this time, infections in Canada have been limited to spread between intimate partners or between people living in the same household.

The spread of monkeypox is NOT exclusive to any group or setting, but individuals with multiple sexual partners may be at increased risk of being exposed.

PREVENTING THE SPREAD

Following basic public health measures can help prevent the spread of monkeypox. This includes practicing proper respiratory etiquette, practicing proper hand hygiene, and staying home when you are sick or have skin sores.

It is important to note that monkeypox is most infectious before skin lesions appear. If you know you have had contact or suspected contact and are feeling unwell, stay home and isolate and call LPH at 519-383-8331 ext 3537 or your healthcare provider.

STATS

• As of August 2, there were 423 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Ontario
• 77.8% of confirmed cases were reported by Toronto Public Health
• The average age of confirmed cases is 35.9 years (range: <20 – 74 years)
• The most commonly reported symptoms include rash, oral/genital lesions, swollen lymph nodes, headache, fever, chills, myalgia, and fatigue
• Only 2.6% of cases have required hospitalization and no deaths have been reported.

MORE INFORMATION

More information on monkeypox can be found at the following links:

• Government of Canada
• Ontario Ministry of Health

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Please contact:

LPH Media Inquiries