Vancouver Coastal Health plans more monkeypox vaccination clinics – BC

Vancouver Coastal Health is opening more clinics to provide monkeypox vaccines.

The health authority said that while the number of monkeypox cases in British Columbia remains low, limited community transmission has been identified in Vancouver.

All reported cases to date in British Columbia are in men who have sex with men, Vancouver Coastal Health said Monday, but anyone who has prolonged close contact with someone with monkeypox may be at risk. risk of infection.

Vaccines are offered to people 18 years and older who are transgender or who belong to the LGBTQ2 community and who meet additional high-risk criteria.

Vancouver Coastal Health said the vaccine is not recommended for the general public.

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What is monkeypox and how is it transmitted?

Last week, Island Health reported its first case of monkeypox, bringing the total number of cases in British Columbia to 21.

All other monkeypox cases in British Columbia are in the Vancouver Coastal Health Region.

The monkeypox virus does not spread easily from person to person, Coastal Health said. All identified local transmissions have involved prolonged skin-to-skin contact, which is believed to be the main way the virus spreads.

Symptoms mainly consist of skin lesions on the mouth and genitals, and may also include fever, headache, and joint and muscle pain, according to the World Health Organization. They usually appear one to two weeks after exposure, but can take between five and 21 days.

People are considered infected from the time symptoms first appear to the point where sores are covering and new, dry skin is visible, according to the BC Center for Disease Control.

Most patients have mild symptoms and do not require medical intervention, he added.

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A case of monkeypox is confirmed in British Columbia

Vancouver Coastal Health said anyone vaccinated should continue to be cautious and take steps to protect themselves and others, especially if they have symptoms.

Information about monkeypox clinics and booking appointments at Vancouver Coastal Health is available on its website.