Ottawa/CMEDIA: Canadian travellers abroad are being warned by the Public Health Agency of Canada to be extra careful because of the potential threat of catching monkeypox.
The monkeypox virus, which causes telltale skin lesions, typically enters human populations when someone touches or eats infected wildlife and spread through close contact, including respiratory droplets in the air, skin-to-skin contact or if someone touches contaminated surfaces such as clothes or bedding.
At least 100 cases have been confirmed in Canada, with Quebec’s health ministry reporting 90 confirmed cases, Toronto Public Health has confirmed eight positive cases, two confirmed cases in Alberta and British Columbia has one confirmed case.
A level two travel health notice was issued by the government of Canada to encourage people travelling outside the country to take extra precautions.
Canadians leaving the country, warned The public health agency could have limited access to appropriate care if they become ill and could face delays returning home and added that travellers could be subjected to isolation or other measures to limit the spread of the virus.
Travellers have been advised by the agency to consult a healthcare professional or a travel health clinic at least six weeks before travelling and to be particularly vigilant at any large parties or gatherings while travelling to lower their risk of contracting the virus.
The agency added that anyone with symptoms or a diagnosis of monkeypox should delay their travel and isolate themselves.
The travel notice by Canada applies to 27 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, Spain and Germany.
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