Lambton Public Health on Exmouth Street in Sarnia. 27 April 2020. (BlackburnNews.com photo by Colin Gowdy)Lambton Public Health on Exmouth Street in Sarnia. 27 April 2020. (BlackburnNews.com photo by Colin Gowdy)
Sarnia

Lambton reports first case of monkeypox

Lambton Public Health has reported the area's first lab-confirmed case of monkeypox.

The health unit said although the person lives in Lambton County, the virus was likely acquired from a different area.

The individual is self-isolating and public health officials have contacted potential close contacts.

Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade said transmission "is not widespread at this time.”

The Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed Ontario's first case of monkeypox on May 26.

The monkeypox outbreak was officially declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization on July 23.

The viral disease can spread from person to person through close contact with an infected individual’s bodily fluids or skin lesions. Health officials said the virus can also be transmitted when a person has contact with contaminated clothing or bedding.

Most people infected with monkeypox recover on their own within two to four weeks.

Although infections in Canada have been limited to spreading between intimate partners or those within the same household, the spread of monkeypox is not limited to a specific group or setting.

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