According to a tweet by Dr. Deena Hinshaw sent out this afternoon, the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the province of Alberta, one case of the Monkeypox virus has been detected in Alberta.

"To protect the privacy of this adult case, we will not be providing identifying information. However, I can confirm that they had close contact with a known case outside the province. The individual is currently self-isolating and we appreciate their cooperation in working with our team to inform our investigation and contact tracing. At this time, the risk of further transmission is low."

Hinshaw added that while the risk of infection is currently low for the general population, Monkeypox can affect anyone in prolonged close contact with an infected person. She also reminded Albertans that Monkeypox does not spread easily among people. Transmission can occur by contact with body fluids, sores or items recently contaminated with fluids or sores.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw verified that the first case of monkeypox has been detected in the provinceDr. Deena Hinshaw verified that the first case of Monkeypox has been detected in the province

"While it’s also possible to get sick from respiratory droplets after spending a long time close to an infected person, those at greatest risk are those who have had prolonged close contact with a case."

Monkeypox is reportable in Alberta as a rare or emerging communicable disease and Hinshaw stressed that the province is continuing to investigate the spread of Monkeypox with their federal and provincial partners and will regularly assess the situation as it evolves.

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