“So far we’ve had three cases, which were exposed outside the province,” said Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Saqib Shahab. “We think the situation has changed now, in the last week. Where we have had evidence of exposures occurring in Saskatchewan, in many cases they have been through anonymous sexual contact with people coming into the province.” Shahab noted that the exposures happened almost exclusively to those in the gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community. “We now believe there is a greater risk of seeing continued transmission in Saskatchewan … particularly in this community.” Shahab noted that these trends were similar to those seen across Canada. He urged those in Saskatchewan who are at risk not to hesitate and reach out. “If you are part of the gbMSM community, it is very important at the first sign of illness to contact the Healthline (811) for advice and seek testing and self-isolation until a diagnosis is made.”
INCREASED ELIGIBILITY FOR VACCINATIONS
The SHA announced that monkeypox vaccine requirements will be extended to both post-exposure and pre-exposure post-notification. Public Health Canada has made 99,000 doses of the vaccine available, with 50,000 doses given to provinces so far, according to Shahab. Those eligible for vaccinations include selected high-risk contacts 18 years of age and older who are ideally identified within 4 days and up to 14 days after exposure. Those at high risk of exposure are also eligible. SHA criteria include:
Are transgender or identify as two-spirit, bisexual, gay, or men who have sex with men (MSM)
And one or more of the following:
You have had a recent sexually transmitted infection (within the last six months). Report that you have had two or more sexual partners in the past six months; Has had (in the past six months) or plans to have sexual intercourse that involves the exchange of money or other goods for sexual services. Report that you have had (in the past six months) or plan to have sex at an event or social gathering where there is MSM-related sexual activity (sauna, bathhouse, club). Have had (in the past six months) or plan to have sexual contact with an anonymous partner (at an event or through a hookup); You plan to travel within the next three months to an area in Canada or internationally where cases of monkeypox are currently being reported.
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People 18 years of age or older who work or volunteer at an event or social gathering where there is MSM-themed sexual activity (sauna, bathhouse, club).
SHA has outlined how to properly isolate and protect others while they are contagious from Monkeypox on their website. Monkey pox is a rare viral disease that causes fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and lethargy, followed by the development of a rash on a person’s body. The disease is not easily spread from person to person according to the SHA. Monkey pox is transmitted by:
Close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact. Touching body fluids or lesions of a person who is sick with the disease. Exposure to contaminated items such as bedding or clothing.
There are currently about 30,000 cases of monkeypox worldwide, with about 1,000 of those occurring in Canada.
Saskatchewan’s current criteria for vaccination and its overall approach have been informed by other provincial responses, such as those in Ontario and Quebec, according to Shahab. “We really hope that with this approach in Saskatchewan we can try to prevent a rapid or high increase in cases and also prevent further transmission.”
