A growing number of countries, including Canada, the U.S., Spain, Portugal, and the U.K, are reporting an unusual outbreak of monkeypox. What makes these cases notable is the disease is relatively rare and there are no clear links between some of the infections, raising concerns about community spread and undetected cases.

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS:

• Fever
• Headache
• Backache
• Fatigue
• Rash
• Swollen Lymph Nodes

WHAT IS MONKEYPOX? First discovered in 1958 in a colony of monkeys used for research, monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus that is part of the same family as smallpox, though typically less severe. It is zoonotic which means it can transfer from animals to humans and vice versa. It typically takes 5-21 days before symptoms will appear, the “pox” or rash usually begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. It starts off as flat patches of discoloured skin that develop into raised bumps, which later fill with fluid (pus) and then eventually turn into scabs and fall off. Anyone can catch it, but typically children under 16 years of age are at a greater risk.‍

HOW DOES IT SPREAD? These viruses spread from infected people through touch, through the air (respiratory droplets) or by touching contaminated surfaces (especially bedding, clothing, utensils) and transferring the virus to the mouth, nose or eyes. Transmission from an animal can happen through bites or scratches or contact with an animal’s fluids.

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TIPS TO CONTROL & PREVENT THE SPREAD

There is no cure for monkeypox, so prevention is your best defence. Use a Health Canada registered hospital grade disinfectant that has an emerging pathogen claim such as Vital Oxide.

‍DAILY DISINFECTION: Use Vital Oxide to clean and disinfect all surfaces. For fast and effective application use Vital Oxide in a ULV or Electrostatic Sprayer to spray entire rooms in minutes.
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WASH HANDS: Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20
seconds and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
with unwashed hands.

DISINFECT FREQUENTLY TOUCHED SURFACES: Multiple times a day spray & wipe doorknobs, light switches, railings, desks, keyboards, tabletops, countertops, toilets and faucets with Vital Oxide.
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STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK: Watch for symptoms. Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.

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