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First case of monkeypox confirmed in Waterloo region

A man in his 30s has been diagnosed with the first local case of the highly-infectious disease
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The Region of Waterloo Public Health and Social Services headquarters in Waterloo.

Region of Waterloo Public Health is confirming the first local case of the monkeypox virus in a male in his 30s.

Monkeypox is a rare viral illness that is spread through close contact with body fluids, respiratory droplets, or lesions of an infected person or animal, or through contaminated materials such as clothing and bedding. A pox-like rash typically follows one or more days of flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and tiredness). Most people have symptoms for two to four weeks and recover without treatment.

Anyone who has symptoms of monkeypox should self-isolate, wear a mask and seek medical attention.

Region of Waterloo Public Health says it continues to work closely with local physicians to provide information about testing, diagnosis, treatment, and reporting confirmed and suspected cases.

Close contacts of suspect or confirmed cases should self-monitor for symptoms for 21 days from last exposure.

Region of Waterloo Public Health will be offering Imvamune vaccine to those at high risk of infection. The region says details will be available on the public health website in the coming days.

The risk to the general public is low since monkeypox does not spread easily from person to person.

The best way to protect yourself against monkeypox is to avoid close contact with persons who are unwell, practise proper hand and respiratory hygiene, and practice safe sex.