N.S. reports new mpox case, ‘very low’ risk to general public – Halifax | 24CA News
For the primary time in months, Nova Scotia has reported a brand new confirmed case of mpox within the Halifax area.
“The person appears to have contracted the illness while travelling outside the province. Symptoms appeared after the person’s return to Nova Scotia,” the province mentioned in a launch.
“Public Health has been following this case closely and has identified only one contact.”
The launch mentioned the chance to most people is “very low,” and people on the highest threat of contracting mpox are those that have been in shut or intimate contact with somebody who has an energetic an infection.
“I want to encourage people who are at highest risk, who haven’t yet been vaccinated, to go get vaccinated, and to complete your two-dose series,” mentioned Dr. Jesse Kancir, the province’s lead medical officer of well being for mpox, within the launch.
“While we have not seen many cases of mpox here in Nova Scotia, there is a risk of a resurgence in Canada with increased summer travels and large gatherings.”
Nova Scotia has solely had one different case of mpox reported in August 2022. That case was additionally contracted whereas exterior of the province.
Imvamune, the vaccine that helps stop mpox an infection, could be requested from physicians, neighborhood pharmacy main care clinics, and a few Public Health workplaces.
The Halifax Sexual Health Centre will maintain mpox pre-exposure immunization clinics within the coming weeks. More info shall be shared about dates and occasions as they grow to be accessible.
“The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends Imvamune be used as a preventive, two-dose vaccine for those at highest risk, with doses separated by at least 28 days,” the discharge mentioned.
The publicly-funded vaccine is accessible to those that establish as a cisgender or transgender queer man, a two-spirit particular person or a non-binary one who has sexual contact with a cisgender or transgender queer man, a two-spirit particular person or a non-binary particular person, and meets not less than one of many following standards:
- Two or extra sexual companions since May 2022 as outlined above, or is planning to have two or extra sexual companions;
- A prognosis of a bacterial sexually transmitted an infection since May 2022;
- Attended, labored at, or volunteered at an occasion/social venue for sexual contact, resembling a shower home or intercourse membership, since May 2022, or is planning to;
- Had nameless intercourse since May 2022, or is planning to;
- Engaged as a employee or a consumer in intercourse work since May 2022 or is planning to.
The vaccine can also be accessible to those that have had sexual contact with somebody who meets the above standards.
“Only residents of Nova Scotia or people living in the province for prolonged periods, such as post-secondary students or people here for work, who meet the eligibility criteria will be offered the vaccine,” the discharge mentioned.
Mpox, a viral illness, enters the physique by damaged pores and skin, the respiratory tract or by mucous membranes, such because the eyes, nostril or mouth.
People who’ve a rash or sores on their pores and skin are requested to speak to their health-care supplier and allow them to know if they’d sexual exercise or shut private contact with others within the final 21 days.
Those who’ve been recognized as an in depth contact, or who develop signs, can contact their native Public Health workplace for recommendation on what to do subsequent.
“Avoid any direct touching of other people, cover all sores with bandages or clothing, wear a mask while you have any symptoms, and follow isolation instructions provided by Public Health,” the discharge mentioned.
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