Canada has issued a second-tier travel directive urging travelers to take enhanced health precautions abroad due to the spread of monkey pox.
As of June 7, the Public Health Service of Canada (PHAC) reports 81 cases of smallpox in the country. expects additional cases to be reported as the investigation progresses.
Rare clusters of the virus have been reported in several countries outside of Central and West Africa, where the virus is commonly found. The new cases are not related to travel to these places, which is unusual, the agency advises.
In the current epidemic, cases are linked to people who have had “close or close contact” with someone who has the virus. However, the virus can also spread from animals to humans or come in close contact with infected objects.
Travel Tip: Monkeypox in Canada
Similar to COVID-19 in places abroad, Canadians may be subject to monkey pox health rules at destinations they visit, such as quarantine, if they become infected. In addition, they may have limited access to health care if they become ill and have delays in returning home. Since May, more than 700 cases of monkey pox have been confirmed in non-endemic countries, with the lion’s share in Europe. In Canada and the United States, infections have also been diagnosed caused by a West African breed that tends to cause mild illness. PHAC works closely with international, provincial and territorial health partners to gather information on this evolving issue.
What to do if you plan to travel?
Talk to your doctor or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel. Keep in mind, however, that vaccines and drugs for prevention and treatment are not commercially available for monkey pox at this time. You can also reduce the risk of infection or transmission of the virus by:
delay your trip and isolate yourself if you have symptoms of monkey pox or if you have been diagnosed with monkey pox practice breathing etiquette, including covering cough and sneezing and using a face mask Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to avoid close physical contact, including sexual contact, with people who are or appear to be ill. Avoid direct contact with skin, body fluids, respiratory droplets or sores on any part of the body Avoid contact with contaminated clothing, towels, bedding or common objects
Be especially careful if you plan to attend a large party or mass gathering while traveling.
Symptoms of monkey pox: What to watch out for on the road
It usually starts with a flu-like illness and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash on the face and body. According to the BC Center for Disease Control, the symptoms appear in two stages and can last for two to four weeks. Symptoms of monkey pox can start five to 21 days after exposure and may include:
fever chills swelling of the lymph nodes headache muscle pain joint pain pain on the back exhaustion appearance of a rash
You should immediately report any symptoms of the virus to a healthcare professional. “People who have new or multiple sexual partners should be especially careful,” advises PHAC.
If you experience symptoms that may be due to monkey pox when you travel or when you return, see a health professional and avoid contact with others. Tell them where you travel or where you live. If you have symptoms that may be due to monkey pox during the flight, inform the flight attendant before landing or the border guard officer as you enter the country. They will notify a quarantine officer who can assess your symptoms.
Take a look at everything you need to know about monkey pox, including its symptoms, how the virus spreads, and what BC residents need to know.
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