WECHU said one resident has been diagnosed with the virus and while the health facility is alerting the community to inform residents, no further details will be shared due to privacy concerns. “At this time, the risk of community transmission of monkeypox remains low,” said Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr Shanker Nesathurai. Other areas of Ontario have reported confirmed cases of monkeypox dating back to this spring. WEHCU says the disease is a viral disease from the same family as smallpox. Monkeypox is usually spread through close contact with bodily fluids, rashes, and scabs of infected humans or animals. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion followed by a rash. The time from infection to symptoms is usually seven to 14 days. While monkeypox can infect anyone, some people, including children, pregnant women, and those who are immunocompromised, are at greater risk for severe disease. WECHU recommends contacting your healthcare provider if you have concerns about exposure. More information about the monkeybox is available on the health unit website.
