The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued a travel notice as the monkeypox virus continues to spread worldwide, advising travelers to practice enhanced health precautions under Level 2 guidelines.
 

A statement issued by the Public Health Agency on Tuesday (PHAC) said that clusters of monkeypox cases have been reported in several countries internationally, outside areas in Central and West Africa where cases are normally found.

Therefore, "During your travel, you may be subject to measures at your destination aimed at limiting the spread of monkeypox, such as isolation, if you become infected."

The Primary Health Care Center in Canada warned that Canadians may also have limited access to appropriate and timely healthcare if they become ill, and may face delays returning to the country.

The agency said that the Primary Health Care Center (PHAC) is working closely with international, regional, and local health partners to gather information on this developing issue.

It is noteworthy that in Canada so far, Quebec has reported 90 cases of monkeypox and administered 813 vaccine doses, with five cases found in Ontario and one in Alberta.

An additional case has been discovered in British Columbia and confirmed by the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control but is awaiting further confirmation from the National Microbiology Laboratory.

On the other hand, PHAC recommends consulting with a healthcare specialist or visiting a travel health clinic at least six weeks before travel.

It is also recommended to wear a face mask, wash hands frequently, and avoid close physical contact with patients.

Since May, more than 700 monkeypox cases have been found in non-endemic countries, especially in Europe, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Monkeypox spreads through contact with sores and items such as bedding or towels contaminated with the virus.

It can also spread through respiratory droplets released by coughing or sneezing.

Although it can be transmitted through close contact during sexual activity, it is not known to spread through semen or vaginal or rectal fluids.

The CDC advised people who have been exposed to monitor symptoms, which can appear between five to 21 days after exposure.

They should also limit close contact, including sexual contact, with others.

Symptoms primarily consist of skin lesions on the mouth and genital organs, and may also include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, according to the World Health Organization.

Anyone showing symptoms is also asked to visit a healthcare specialist, wear a mask and cover lesions, and inform the clinic early.