There are now 17 suspected cases of the rare infectious virus monkeypox in Montreal, QC..The infections have yet to be confirmed..Quebec health officials are examining the possible monkeypox cases after US and European health officials confirmed rising infection numbers of the rare disease. Numbers are growing in an increasing number of countries and suggest a global outbreak might be on its way..Epidemiologist and medical microbiologist at the McGill University Health Centre, Dr. Donald Vinh said the “suspected cases” are “possibly linked epidemiologically through common gathering.”.Radio-Canada reported the 13 preliminary diagnoses of the patients with genital lesions were made in three sexual health clinics in the province. Secondary confirmation of the cases is underway..Monkeypox is a rare viral infection related to the smallpox virus. It typically starts with symptoms that resemble flu and progresses as a rash on the face and body. Infections generally persist for two to four weeks..On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced it had confirmed one case of the disease in an adult man who “recently travelled to Canada.” This followed European health officials confirming more than two dozen cases of the infection in the UK, Spain, and Portugal this week..Other mammals can be carriers of the virus, even though the disease is named monkeypox,. It's not highly infectious between human beings, however vectors include bodily fluid, monkeypox sores, and respiratory droplets..One vaccine, Jynneos, is licensed in the US for monkeypox and smallpox..The first human case of the virus was recorded in 1970..Montreal public health will be providing an update on the city’s suspected monkeypox cases on Thursday at 11 am ET..The monkeypox case fatality rate in Africa is anywhere from 1% to 10%. The virus mortality rate is higher in younger children. Canadian public health said monkeypox has “limited potential for epidemic spread.”
