The Grey Bruce Health Unit has reported its first confirmed case of monkeypox in the area.
The person who was diagnosed with monkeypox lives in Grey-Bruce, but it is likely the infection was acquired outside of the county.
The health unit has determined that the individual had only one close contact in the area and the health unit is following up with that person.
The individual with the confirmed case is currently isolating at home.
The Grey-Bruce Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ian Arra, said, “…although a case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Grey-Bruce, the risk to the community remains very low.”
Monkeypox infections are typically mild, with symptoms developing 5 to 21 days after exposure, occurring in two stages.
The first stage symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, chills, swollen lymph nodes and lethargy. In the second stage, a rash or lesions may develop.
All individuals who have symptoms are advised to self-isolate at home, and those who are diagnosed with monkeypox must isolate until symptoms are no longer prevalent.
The Grey-Bruce Health Unit continues to monitor the monkeypox situation very closely.
