Canadian travellers urged to take precautions against monkeypox abroad

The Public Health Agency of Canada is warning travellers to be extra careful abroad because of the potential threat of catching monkeypox.

The government issued a level two travel health notice to encourage people travelling outside the country to take extra precautions.

The public health agency says travellers could find themselves subjected to isolation or other measures to limit the spread of the virus.

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The agency also warns those who leave the country could have limited access to appropriate care if they become ill and could face delays returning home.

It is rare to see outbreaks of monkeypox outside of West and Central Africa, but cases have cropped up in countries around the world in recent weeks — with 77 confirmed cases in Canada as of Friday.

The government’s travel notice applies to several countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany.

(1/3) The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice on #monkeypox for many countries. Travellers are advised to practise enhanced health precautions.
Learn more: https://t.co/n20wJG2kon pic.twitter.com/1mOSHtU1BD

— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) June 7, 2022

As of June 7, there are 81 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Canada. 71 cases are in Quebec, 8 cases in Ontario, and one case in both Alberta and B.C..

In this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention handout graphic, symptoms of one of the first known cases of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patient’s hand May 27, 2003.(Photo Courtesy of CDC/Getty Images)

“Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer of Canada is in close contact with provincial and territorial Chief Medical Officers of Health to ensure that any cases of monkeypox occurring in Canada continue to be rapidly identified and managed in order to protect the health of Canadians,” Health Canada said.

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People who have been exposed to monkeypox are told to monitor for symptoms. Symptoms of monkeypox can present from 5-21 days after exposure.

They include: fever, intense headache, lymphadenophathy, back pain, myalgia, fatigue. A rash evolves to pustules, before crusting, which then scale off. Lesions are often painful and itchy.

If you develop symptoms, see a doctor. Wear a mask and cover the lesions, and inform the clinic ahead of time of the reason for your visit. Limit close contact, including sexual contact with others.