North Bay area now has a monkeypox case

NORTH BAY — The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has received notification confirming a case of monkeypox in a person who resides in the district.

It's the first case reported within the North Bay region. 

Public Health Sudbury and Districts also reported a monkeypox case last week.

Officials with the Health Unit believe the individual likely acquired the infection in the Toronto area.

"This individual is currently isolating, and close contact(s) have been notified," the Health Unit stated in a release. 

The risk of contracting monkeypox remains very low in the Health Unit’s district, as there is no evidence of the virus circulating locally. Based on the low risk, only close contacts will be offered post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). 

Any person who develops symptoms or who has had contact with a suspected or known case of monkeypox is asked to contact their health care provider immediately.

"Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, age, or gender can spread monkeypox through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores, or by sharing contaminated items," the Health Unit continued.

On Tuesday, Public Health Sudbury reported its first case in the region.