The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is reporting its first lab-confirmed case of the Monkeypox virus in Norhtumberland.
It was confirmed yesterday and the Northumberland resident is currently recovering and in isolation.
The Health Unit has also contacted anyone else who may have had close contact with this case, including those who may require vaccination against the virus.
Monkeypox can be spread from human to human, through close, direct contact with infected bodily fluids like lesions or blisters, or through respiratory droplets from coughing.
Currently there are 326 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Ontario.
Anyone who experiences symptoms of Monkeypox should seek immediate medical attention. Monkeypox symptoms can be managed, and individuals typically recover within two to four weeks. A vaccine is also available for either pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis associated with confirmed cases.
To find out if you are eligible for the vaccine, visit the Health Unit’s Monkeypox Virus web page. If you fit the eligibility criteria for the vaccine, call the HKPR District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1507, to check availability and to book an appointment.
If you need further help or guidance on Monkeypox, call the HKPR District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1232, or email info@hkpr.on.ca.