Canada confirms first case of new Mpox variant

Canadian health authorities have confirmed the first case of a new variant of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. The patient, whose identity was not disclosed, recently returned from an international trip and began to show symptoms of the disease. According to the official statement, the individual is in isolation in Manitoba, the city where he lives and is receiving medical care.

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral disease that was previously restricted mainly to regions of Africa, it gained global prominence in 2022, with outbreaks in several countries. Transmission occurs through close contact with injuries, bodily fluids or contaminated objects, in addition to, in some cases, through the respiratory route. The most common symptoms include fever, muscle pain and the appearance of characteristic skin lesions. The new form of the disease that has recently emerged has mutations that can alter both the symptoms and the method of transmission.

The case in Canada

The Canadian patient developed a fever, severe fatigue and rashes shortly after returning from an international trip. Samples were analyzed in the laboratory, confirming the presence of a variant of the virus still being studied. According to the Canadian Health Agency, authorities are monitoring possible contacts of the patient to prevent the spread of the virus, the risk to the Canadian population is still considered very low.

Embed from Getty Images

_{Medical Illustration of Positive Test Tube for Monkey Pox. (Photo: reproduction/ CreativeDesignArt/ Getty Images Embed)}

Authorities reinforce the importance of maintaining hygiene practices, in addition to avoiding close contact with infected people and seeking medical attention when presenting suspicious symptoms, especially after international travel.

The emergence of variants like the one registered in Canada has been a cause for concern for the scientific community. Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) are monitoring the situation closely to assess the need for global measures to put in place a protocol to contain the spread of the virus.that of the disease.

Featured photo Digital image generated from viral cells from monkeypox infection (photo: reproduction/Shankar sharma/ Getty Images Embed)