The world has been battling one virus after another for quite some time now. From COVID-19 to Ebola, the world has seen it all. Yet another virus that has everyone worried is monkeypox.

Recently, reports of a monkeypox outbreak in Canada have been circulating, and people are concerned. Here’s everything you need to know about the monkeypox outbreak in Canada.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a monkeypox virus that belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. The virus is believed to be endemic in some parts of Central and West Africa, where sporadic outbreaks have been reported.

Monkeypox spreads to people through close contact with infected animals, such as rodents and primates, and can also be transmitted from human to human. The virus causes symptoms similar to smallpox, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash. Most people with monkeypox recover within a few weeks, but in some cases, the infection can be severe and even fatal.

The Monkeypox Outbreak in Canada

On September 11, 2021, the first case of monkeypox was reported in Canada. An individual who had traveled from Nigeria to Canada was diagnosed with the disease.

Since then, several cases of monkeypox have been reported in Canada, with some of the cases being close contacts of the first patient. The cases have been reported in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta.

How is Monkeypox Transmitted?

Monkeypox can be transmitted through several ways, including:.

Close contact with infected animals, such as rodents or primates
Consumption of undercooked meat from infected animals
Transmission from human to human through respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, or skin-to-skin contact with a person who has monkeypox

Symptoms of Monkeypox

The symptoms of monkeypox can appear within one to three weeks after exposure to the virus. The initial symptoms include:.

Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills

After a few days, a rash develops, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. The disease can last for 2 to 4 weeks.

Who is at Risk of Monkeypox?

Anyone can get infected with monkeypox, but the disease is more common in certain regions of Central and West Africa, where the virus is endemic. People who live in or have traveled to these regions are at higher risk.

People who come into close contact with infected animals or humans are also at risk of contracting the disease.

Prevention of Monkeypox

Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for monkeypox. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid contact with infected animals or humans. Here are some tips to help prevent infection:.

Avoid contact with animals that could be infected, such as rodents and primates
Avoid eating undercooked meat from animals that could be carriers of the virus
Practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands often and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
If you have been in close contact with someone with monkeypox, monitor your health closely and seek medical attention if you develop symptoms

The Bottom Line

The monkeypox outbreak in Canada is a cause of concern for public health officials and the general public. Although the disease is rare, it is highly contagious, and there is no known cure or vaccine for it.

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid contact with infected animals or humans and to practice good hygiene.