Manitoba confirms first case of monkeypox
Manitoba has confirmed its first case of monkeypox, saying a public health investigation is ongoing.
The province said it won't release information on the confirmed case, including the person's region of residence, gender and age to protect their identity.
"We can appreciate that many people will have questions about this case. However we need to balance that with our responsibility to protect the identity of this person," said Dr. Jazz Atwal, deputy chief provincial public health officer.
Public health officials confirmed an investigation is ongoing, which includes contact tracing. However, officials said the investigation indicates the virus was likely picked up outside of the province. Atwal would not say if public health believes the case was acquired outside of Canada.
The province said public health officials will notify close contacts and specific locations if the risk is considered high and the contacts are unknown.
"At this time, we believe this is an isolated case," Atwal said.
He said there is always the possibility of undetected cases, saying some people may have such mild symptoms that they haven't looked for care. Atwal said the province is also testing samples from physicians that were not specifically collected for monkeypox surveillance, however he said they have all come back negative.
"The risk to the general public remains low, but it is important for everyone to be aware of monkeypox so those that are at risk can take steps to reduce their risk and seek care and get tested if they develop symptoms," he said.
Symptoms of monkeypox are typically flu-like, including fever, headaches, muscle and back aches, chills, exhaustion and swollen lymph nodes. The province said several days after symptoms appear, a rash may also show up typically on the face, hand palms or soles of the feet.
While anyone can be infected with monkeypox, Atwal said the infections reported in Canada have primarily been reported among people who self-identify as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. Atwal said the monkeypox vaccination efforts will be focused on this community.
Those individuals are available to book a vaccine appointment if they also meet the following criteria:
- If they have received a diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and/or syphilis in the past two months;
- If they have had two or more sexual partners in the last 21 days;
- If they have attended or are planning to attend locations for sexual contact;
- If they have had anonymous sex in the past 21 days or are planning to; or
- If they have engaged in sex work or plan to, either as a worker or client.
"We do not expect that most Manitobans will need to be immunized against monkeypox; however, we will continue to work with the federal government to make sure the supply of vaccine we have available aligns with the demands from the eligible populations," Atwal said.
More information about monkeypox can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.