Toronto Bath Workers Are Among The First To Be Offered The Smallpox Vaccine

From tomorrow, the first of many community-based vaccine clinics will take place in the city.  This initial clinic will be specifically for Toronto bath workers.
Directed by Toronto Public Health (TPH) in collaboration with the Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance (GMSH) and other community organizations, the goal of this program is to provide protection to those who have had close contact with someone who tested positive for monkey pox. with high-risk contacts and those at higher risk of being exposed to the virus.
On June 10, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) published interim guidance on the use of the Imvammune vaccine in monkeypox epidemics.  Health Canada has approved this vaccine against smallpox, aphids and other related orthopedic viruses in 2020 for people 18 years of age and older.
As of Friday, there were 11 confirmed smallpox cases in Toronto.
Monkey pox is a virus that is transmitted through contact with body fluids, including leprosy from monkey pox, contaminated clothing or bedding, or through respiratory droplets after prolonged face-to-face contact.  It can also be transmitted through the bites or scratches of infected animals.
“Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, can transmit monkey pox through contact with body fluids, monkey pox wounds or by sharing contaminated objects,” TPH said in a June 12 press release.
“However, during this epidemic, in many countries, homosexuals, bisexuals and men who have sex with men have been affected.”
Symptoms may include damage or rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion and swollen lymph nodes.  Rash or lesions often appear within a few days of the onset of symptoms, which float to the face and spread to other parts of the body.  Most people recover from monkey pox on their own without treatment, the city said.
Anyone who experiences any of the signs or symptoms of monkey pox should report them to their healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Toronto Public Health, which works closely with the Public Health Service of Canada, Ontario Public Health and the Ontario Department of Health, monitors anyone suspected of being exposed to the virus.  The health unit also contacts local doctors to provide them with information on symptoms, laboratory tests and diagnosis, infection control precautions, treatment and reporting requirements.
Anyone who comes in close contact with a person suspected or confirmed to be infected with smallpox should be monitored for symptoms for 21 days after their last exposure.  If symptoms occur, they are advised to isolate themselves, seek care, and be examined.
Some of the ways to reduce the risk of smallpox in monkeys include maintaining a natural distance, frequent hand washing, and respiratory hygiene, including coverage.  Common household disinfectants can also kill the smallpox virus in monkeys.
Visit the Toronto City monkey pox website for more information or contact TPH Health Connections online or at 416-338-7600.  People can also find more details about monkey pox on the Public Health Service of Canada website or on the GMSH website.

title: “Toronto Bath Workers Are Among The First To Be Offered The Smallpox Vaccine " ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-13” author: “Ann Johns”

From tomorrow, the first of many community-based vaccine clinics will take place in the city. This initial clinic will be specifically for Toronto bath workers. Directed by Toronto Public Health (TPH) in collaboration with the Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance (GMSH) and other community organizations, the goal of this program is to provide protection to those who have had close contact with someone who tested positive for monkey pox. with high-risk contacts and those at higher risk of being exposed to the virus. On June 10, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) published interim guidance on the use of the Imvammune vaccine in monkeypox epidemics. Health Canada has approved this vaccine against smallpox, aphids and other related orthopedic viruses in 2020 for people 18 years of age and older. As of Friday, there were 11 confirmed smallpox cases in Toronto. Monkey pox is a virus that is transmitted through contact with body fluids, including leprosy from monkey pox, contaminated clothing or bedding, or through respiratory droplets after prolonged face-to-face contact. It can also be transmitted through the bites or scratches of infected animals. “Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, can transmit monkey pox through contact with body fluids, monkey pox wounds or by sharing contaminated objects,” TPH said in a June 12 press release. “However, during this epidemic, in many countries, homosexuals, bisexuals and men who have sex with men have been affected.” Symptoms may include damage or rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion and swollen lymph nodes. Rash or lesions often appear within a few days of the onset of symptoms, which float to the face and spread to other parts of the body. Most people recover from monkey pox on their own without treatment, the city said. Anyone who experiences any of the signs or symptoms of monkey pox should report them to their healthcare provider as soon as possible. Toronto Public Health, which works closely with the Public Health Service of Canada, Ontario Public Health and the Ontario Department of Health, monitors anyone suspected of being exposed to the virus. The health unit also contacts local doctors to provide them with information on symptoms, laboratory tests and diagnosis, infection control precautions, treatment and reporting requirements. Anyone who comes in close contact with a person suspected or confirmed to be infected with smallpox should be monitored for symptoms for 21 days after their last exposure. If symptoms occur, they are advised to isolate themselves, seek care, and be examined. Some of the ways to reduce the risk of smallpox in monkeys include maintaining a natural distance, frequent hand washing, and respiratory hygiene, including coverage. Common household disinfectants can also kill the smallpox virus in monkeys. Visit the Toronto City monkey pox website for more information or contact TPH Health Connections online or at 416-338-7600. People can also find more details about monkey pox on the Public Health Service of Canada website or on the GMSH website.