Canadian government eyeing vaccines after monkeypox outbreak in Quebec
The federal government said it is exploring the possibility of using the smallpox vaccine to protect Quebecers from the recent outbreak of the disease's cousin, monkeypox.
Late Thursday, Quebec's health ministry confirmed Canada's first two cases of monkeypox were in the province.
As of Friday morning, Montreal public health reported 18 suspected cases of the rare disease, in addition to the two positive infections.
During a virtual media briefing Friday, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo said the smallpox vaccine, which hasn't been used in Canada since the 1970s, appears to be effective against monkeypox and that the federal government is exploring its use for monkeypox.
"We have some doses and we are always ready. We're talking at the moment with the province of Quebec about the possibility of using it," Njoo told reporters.
Smallpox vaccination ended in Canada in 1972 after the shots helped eradicate the disease, but public health chief Theresa Tam said there are discussions in Canada and around the world about reviewing their efficacy on monkeypox.
She said Canada has a "limited" supply of those vaccines in stock but said she couldn't provide an exact number due to security reasons.
Earlier this month, the Public Health Agency of Canada placed an order for 500,000 vials of the smallpox vaccine Imvamune, which also gives protection against monkeypox. However, these doses won’t be delivered until April 2023.
So far, the outbreak of the disease appears to be contained in Quebec, although Dr. Tam said there are "a couple" of cases under investigation in British Columbia as well.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services said Thursday that investigations are underway to determine the links between the cases found in the Montreal area "and to identify potentially at-risk contacts and inform them of protective measures."
The World Health Organization called an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak of more than 100 confirmed and suspected cases of monkeypox in Europe.
Public health officials in Quebec say, however, there is no reason to panic over the outbreak in Quebec as the transmission of monkeypox is believed to come from "prolonged and close contact" with an infected person. They also stress that it is less contagious than other viral infections, like the flu and COVID-19.
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and headache in the first few days of infection, followed by rashes on the face and other parts of the body.
-- With files from The Canadian Press and CTV News' Brooklyn Neustaeter
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.