Ottawa: The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has confirmed a total of 477 cases of monkeypox in the country as of Wednesday. PHAC has provided updates on these confirmed cases, including 284 cases from Quebec, 156 cases from Ontario, 29 cases from British Columbia and 8 cases from Alberta, Xinhua news agency news. Going forward, the number of cases may change as provinces and territories continue to receive confirmed test results from PHAC’s National Microbiology Laboratory, PHAC said.
According to the PHAC, provinces and territories are reviewing case data in their jurisdictions, and those who meet the case definition will be reported to the PHAC for inclusion in the national investigation. The National Microbiology Laboratory is performing diagnostic testing for the virus that causes smallpox in monkeys. In addition, the lab is conducting whole-genome sequencing, advanced fingerprint analysis, on Canadian monkeypox samples, PHAC said. ALSO READ: Mahatma Gandhi’s statue depicted at Hindu temple in Canada, India says ‘act of hatred’ has ‘deeply hurt’ feelings
Monkeypox is a sylvatic zoonotic disease that can infect humans and is common in the jungle regions of Central and West Africa. According to the World Health Organization, the disease is caused by monkeypox virus of the orthopoxvirus family.
What exactly is monkeypox virus?
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that resembles human smallpox. It was discovered in 1958 in research monkeys, and the first human case of smallpox in monkeys was reported in 1970. The disease is mainly found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South Africa. West African. This virus is a member of the Poxviridae family, which also includes the viruses that cause smallpox and cowpox.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
Monkeypox often presents as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and it can lead to many medical complications. Symptoms usually last two to four weeks and the disease is self-limited. Severe cases can also occur. In recent years, the reported case fatality rate is around 3-6%, but can be as high as 10%. No deaths have been reported in the current outbreak.
How is monkeypox virus transmitted?
Smallpox in monkeys is transmitted to humans by close contact with infected people or animals, or by contact with material contaminated with the virus. Rodents such as rats, mice and squirrels are thought to spread it. Smallpox in monkeys is spread through wounds, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials such as bedding. However, the virus is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness.
How are cases of monkeypox treated?
The vaccine used to eradicate smallpox also provides protection against smallpox in monkeys. Newer vaccines have been developed, one of which has been approved for prevention. According to WHO, an antiviral agent developed to treat smallpox has also been licensed to treat smallpox in monkeys.
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