Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health issues statement on monkeypox 

A statement from Dr. Paul Hasselback from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health:

“The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to investigate cases of monkeypox in Canada. The Government of Yukon is actively working with PHAC and other public health partners to investigate the spread of monkeypox and assess the situation as it unfolds. While our understanding of the virus is still evolving, we remain committed to providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your health.

“The current supply of the monkeypox vaccine is with the National Emergency Supply and guidance on its access and distribution is expected in the coming weeks. The current risk of monkeypox in the Yukon is low, and as a result there is no indication that a local supply of the vaccine is needed at this time. Should this change, the Yukon has been provided an allocation within the National Emergency Supply. We are actively monitoring the situation and decisions on local vaccine supply will follow national guidance and assessment of the risk of local transmission. 

“As some people may have heard, the vaccine marketed under the name Imvamune® is used to prevent both monkeypox and smallpox. However, this vaccine is not the same as the smallpox vaccine people may have received over 50 years ago and its effectiveness against the current monkeypox outbreak is unknown.

“Be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox, particularly if you were in a region where monkeypox is known to be spreading, and report any concerns to a health care provider. Signs and symptoms of monkeypox typically include an unexplained new rash, particularly in the genital, anal or oral areas, along with fever, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, muscle and body aches, and headache.

“You can lower your risk of getting infected and spreading the virus by maintaining good personal hygiene and avoiding close and intimate contact with people outside your home. Wearing masks, physical distancing, covering coughs and sneezes and practicing frequent hand washing continue to be important, particularly when in public places.

“Thank you to all Yukoners for your continued diligence and cooperation in keeping each other safe.”