Key Takeaways:
- Due to catching monkeypox, the Canadian Public Health Agency recommends travelers take extra precautions when visiting abroad.
- There have been at least 97 confirmed virus cases in Canada, including 90 occurrences in Quebec, 5 in Ontario, one in Alberta, and one in British Columbia.
- If you have symptoms while flying, tell a flight attendant or a border services agent, who will notify a quarantine officer.
The Canadian Public Health Agency advises tourists to take extra precautions when traveling abroad due to the risk of contracting monkeypox.
The virus, normally only seen in West and Central Africa, has been detected in Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, and more than two dozen other nations.
It’s unusual to see so many cases unconnected to travel from those African regions.
The government has issued a level 2 travel health alert to remind those traveling outside the nation to take extra care.
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“Individuals at risk of infection in the present outbreak include those who have had close or personal contact with an individual who has monkeypox,” according to the advisory.
Travelers may be subjected to isolation or other steps to prevent the virus from spreading, according to the CDC.
If people leave the country and become unwell, they may have restricted access to adequate care and risk difficulties in returning home.
Monkeypox is spread mostly by close exposure to the virus on other people or objects like bed linens. It causes symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, and pox-like sores on the skin. While it can be lethal, it is most often not.
At least 97 instances of the virus have been verified in Canada, with 90 cases in Quebec, 5 in Ontario, one in Alberta, and the one in British Columbia.
The UK, Spain, and Germany are affected by the government’s travel warning.
To avoid spreading the virus, it advises Canadians to postpone travel and isolate themselves if they have any signs of monkeypox or have been infected with it.
In addition, the advisory advises Canadians to avoid direct physical contact, including sexual touch, with anyone who appears to be sick while traveling and to be especially cautious while attending a large party or public gathering.
“See a health care provider if you create symptoms that could be attributable to monkeypox while traveling or after returning home, and avoiding contact with others,” the government recommended on its website.
Those who experience symptoms while flying should inform a flight attendant or border services agent, who will contact a quarantine officer.
The Canadian Press initially published this information on June 7, 2022.
Source: CTV News
