Case of monkeypox virus reported in Halifax

HALIFAX, NS — Nova Scotia Public Health reports a confirmed case of monkeypox in the Halifax region.

It said in a release late Friday afternoon that one person appears to have contracted the virus while traveling outside the province, with symptoms developing after returning home.

Only one close contact has been identified and public health officials said the risk to the public is “very low”.

People most at risk of contracting the virus are those who have been in close or intimate contact with a person who has an active infection.

Dr. Jesse Kancir, the province’s lead medical health officer for monkeypox, said Nova Scotians who are most at risk should take steps to protect themselves.

“I want to encourage people who are most at risk, who have not yet been vaccinated, to get vaccinated and complete your two-dose series,” Kancir said in the release. “While we haven’t seen many cases of mpox here in Nova Scotia, there is a risk of a resurgence in Canada with more summer travel and large gatherings.”

The vaccine, which is available through physicians, community pharmacy frontline clinics and select public health offices, helps protect against infection and reduces the severity of an infection

To ensure local access to the vaccine, the Halifax Sexual Health Center will host pre-exposure immunization clinics for monkeypox in the coming weeks.

Public Health will provide information on dates and times as they become available. Eligible persons have the option to book appointments online.

The vaccine is publicly funded and available to anyone who meets the following criteria:

Identify as a cisgender or transgender queer man, a two-spirit person or a non-binary person who has sexual contact with a cisgender or transgender queer man, a two-spirit person or a non-binary person and at least one of the following criteria :

• two or more sexual partners since May 2022 as defined above, or plans to have two or more sexual partners
• a diagnosis of a bacterial sexually transmitted disease since May 2022
• since May 2022 has participated in, worked at or volunteered at an event/social venue for sexual contact, such as a bathhouse or sex club, or intends to do so
• has had or intends to have anonymous sex since May 2022
• · has been working as an employee or client in prostitution since May 2022 or intends to do so.

OR

• Having sexual contact with someone who meets the above criteria.

Only residents of Nova Scotia or people who live in the province for an extended period of time, such as post-secondary students or people coming to work here, who meet the eligibility criteria are offered the vaccine.

The virus enters the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Symptoms may include a rash or sores or fever or swollen lymph nodes. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and let them know if they have had sexual activity or close personal contact with others in the past 21 days.

Anyone who has shared that they have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with mpox or who develops symptoms should contact their local GGD which will provide instructions on what to do next. It is recommended that people monitor themselves for symptoms and contact their healthcare provider to assess whether they need a test to diagnose mpox. They should also avoid any direct contact with other people, cover any sores with bandages or clothing, wear a mask, and follow public health isolation instructions.

Learn more about mpox, including how it spreads and what symptoms to watch for: https://novascotia.ca/mpox/