As the number of monkeypox cases continues to steadily rise in Ontario, Peterborough Public Health confirms five active cases had been confirmed in the local region as of August 12.
Peterborough Medical Officer of Health Dr. Thomas Piggott says “one of the key pieces now” is ensuring the monkeypox vaccine is available to those at highest risk of contracting the virus.
While a number of vaccine appointment dates are available, Dr. Piggott says residents’ virus fatigue as a result of two-plus years of COVID-19 is a concern.
One of the common symptoms of monkeypox is a rash on or near the genitals. Other indicators include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and/or muscle aches and backache.
While rarely fatal, monkeypox has been with us a long time, with the first case in a human recorded in 1970. Prior to its emergence this year in North America, it was reported in several central and western African countries.
