Monkeypox Outbreak Reaches Canada, U.S. with Confirmed Cases

The number of suspected monkeypox cases has risen to more than 1300 cases.

Fifty-eight deaths have now been reported worldwide in the new outbreak of the viral disease.

Most cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The survey was conducted through May 8 of this year.

The cases are in addition to the few confirmed cases and suspected cases reported this month in various countries in Europe and North America.

This is the first time the disease has spread to West and Central Africa without known epidemiologic links.

DRC Cases

Cases in the DRC this year are lower than reported cases in previous years.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2020, from January 1 to September 13, there were a total of 4594 suspected cases of monkeypox. In that same year, there were 171 deaths.

In 2019, there were 3794 suspected cases and 73 deaths. In 2018, there were 2850 suspected cases.

Cases Outside DRC

Due to the current monkeypox outbreak in Europe, health authorities in affected countries have ordered varying quantities of closely related smallpox vaccines.

Germany has also recently confirmed its first case of monkeypox, as have France, Italy, Sweden, and Australia.

Canada confirmed two cases of monkeypox on Thursday after Quebec authorities said they were investigating 17 suspected cases.

The Public Health Agency of Canada said the recently confirmed cases are the first two in the country.

However, investigations are ongoing as more information is needed to assess whether there is an increased health risk to the Canadian population.

In the U.S., one possible case is being investigated in New York City. In another, the virus was confirmed earlier this week in Massachusetts.

Six people are also being monitored for public infection after sitting near an infected traveler on a flight.

On Thursday, Jennifer Markeston, Deputy Director of the Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, said the situation is very unusual because monkeypox is usually reported only in West Africa or Central America, but not in the United States or Europe.

The Need for Awareness

Health authorities in the United Kingdom and elsewhere have noted that many of the recent cases have occurred in men who have sexual intercourse with men (MSM), even though the virus is not normally called a sexually transmitted infection.

Nevertheless, investigations into recent cases are ongoing.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has urged public health organizations and community agencies to take action to raise awareness about the possible spread of monkeypox in communities of people who identify as MSM, and who have casual sexual relations, or who have multiple sexual partners.

These individuals are reminded to be especially vigilant.

ECDC has recommended that persons with symptoms seek specialized treatment in the goal to contain the monkeypox outbreak.

The first human case of monkeypox was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It is a viral disease that can be transmitted from person to person or from animal to person through close contact.

The virus can enter injured skin, mucous membranes, the respiratory tract, and through contact with body fluids. Indirect transmission is also possible, e.g. by using the same contaminated linen.

According to the CDC, symptoms include fever, aches, fatigue, body rash, and other symptoms similar to but milder than smallpox.

In addition, the disease can be fatal.