REGINA — The Saskatchewan Health Authority is alerting the public to the elevated risk of acquiring Monkeypox through anonymous sexual contact due to recent known cases associated with this source of transmission. Information reported to public health, related to travel into and out of province, has prompted this alert.
Individuals who believe they have been exposed can contact Healthline 811 to determine if they are considered at risk or eligible for a vaccine.
Eligibility for the Monkeypox vaccine has been expanded to adults 18 years and older who are close contacts or deemed higher risk for exposure. Referrals are available through 811.
Monkeypox is a rare viral illness that causes fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and lethargy, followed by the development of a rash over a person’s body. Monkeypox does not spread easily from person to person. It is spread through:
- Close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact;
- touching bodily fluids or lesions of a person who is sick with the disease; or
- exposure to contaminated objects such as bed linens or clothing.
If you have recently been in contact with an individual with suspected or confirmed monkeypox and develop fever or other symptoms of illness, you should call HealthLine 811 or consult a health care provider immediately.
The Ministry of Health and Saskatchewan Health Authority have increased surveillance for monkeypox and have alerted health care providers about signs, symptoms and treatment. Health officials in Saskatchewan are continuing to work with the Public Health Agency of Canada and National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg to investigate any further potential cases of monkeypox in Saskatchewan.
To learn more about monkeypox, visit: saskatchewan.ca/monkeypox
