NewsDesk @bactiman63

In a follow-up on the monkeypox situation in Quebec, Canada, the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) reports 15 confirmed cases of monkeypox as of May 23.

Since May 12, 2022, the Direction de santé publique du grand Montréal has been investigating cases of unusual oral and genital ulcerations possibly related to monkeypox.

Monkeypox is transmitted through close and prolonged contact. It is transmitted five days before the onset of symptoms until the skin lesions are crusted over. The incubation period is usually short (5 to 7 days), but can be as long as 21 days.

The symptoms reported consist mainly of skin lesions in the mouth and genitals. These signs may be preceded or accompanied by:

  • fever;
  • night sweats;
  • headache;
  • swollen glands;
  • joint or muscle pain.

If you have been in close contact (by sexual contact or living under the same roof) with a suspected case or people showing the symptoms mentioned above, watch for the appearance of symptoms for 21 days following your contact with this case. Also, in the context where people can transmit the disease five days before the symptoms, it is recommended that contacts avoid sexual relations. If you live with a suspected case or people who show the symptoms mentioned, avoid sleeping in the same bed, limit your contact with them and wear a mask in their presence.

If you have compatible symptoms, promptly see a healthcare professional for an evaluation, wear a mask, and cover the lesions. Before your consultation, notify the clinical setting.

In most cases, the disease resolves on its own within 2 to 4 weeks . Very rare cases of serious complications can occur, however.