“These adults are self-isolated and I want to express my appreciation for their help in locating contacts and researching,” he said. Hinshaw noted that the majority of smallpox cases in monkeys recorded worldwide were in the gay community. He says Alberta Health has contacted organizations across the province that serve the LGBTQ2S + community to provide information. “This is not done to embarrass or stigmatize anyone and does not mean that anyone who has been infected with monkey pox or has had contact has done something wrong.” Hinshaw stressed that the province is trying to provide accurate information to protect the health of Alberta. Monkey pox is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or by touching things that have been infected with the virus, such as clothing or bedding. Symptoms of smallpox include fever, swollen glands, sores or rash. Hinshaw said anyone with symptoms of smallpox should be isolated and call 811. “These are common symptoms and most people with these symptoms will have another cause. However, being aware of these symptoms is especially important for anyone who has a new sexual partner, “Hinshaw said. He stressed that the risk of smallpox infection in Alberta remains low.
