What You Need To Know About Monkeypox In Saskatchewan

On Saturday, August 13, the SHA confirmed that there are three cases of monkeypox in the province. While the cases so far have been from people exposed outside of Saskatchewan, there are now people who have been exposed within the province.

		Read more: Sask Health alerts public to increased risk of acquiring monkeypox

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. Monkey pox is not easily spread from person to person. Distributed via:

Close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact. Touching bodily fluids or injuries of a person who is sick with the disease. Exposure to contaminated items such as bedding or clothing.

Dr. Saqib Shahab, the chief medical officer of health for Saskatchewan, said the cases so far have occurred almost exclusively among those in the gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community. Story continues below ad “We now believe there is a greater risk of seeing continued transmission within Saskatchewan … particularly in this community,” Shahab said. Shahab noted that these trends are very similar to those seen across Canada and urges anyone at risk to call the 811 Health Line. “If you are in the gbMSM community, it is very important to contact Healthline (811) for advice and seek testing and self-isolation until a diagnosis is made,” Shahab said. As monkey pox is mainly spread through close contact, Saskatoon Sexual Health (SSH) is warning people about the difference between the STD and monkey pox. “It is important to note that monkeypox is not an STD,” the SSH board said in an email. “However, it is transmitted through intimate contact, which is often shared by sexual partners. Anyone can get monkey pox and it’s not exclusive to gays and bisexuals. Monkey pox is transmitted through any close person-to-person contact, including but not limited to sexual contact.’

		Read more: 18+ eligible for 2nd COVID-19 vaccine booster in Saskatchewan on Monday

There are several things you can do to prevent the transmission of monkeypox. “Wash your hands often, wear a mask and avoid touching your face,” SSH said. “If someone has been exposed to monkeypox they should be monitored for symptoms and if they develop symptoms they should stay home, isolate and limit contact with household members until any lesions have healed and respiratory symptoms have subsided.” Story continues below ad Vaccinations are another way people in Saskatchewan can help protect themselves. The SHA announced that monkeypox vaccine requirements will be extended to both post-exposure and pre-exposure post-notification. Those eligible for vaccination 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 last 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).