Since the beginning of 2022, the World Health Organization has reported spread of the monkeypox virus in 8 countries where it is endemic as well as 28 countries that have newly been affected. To date, there are 110 confirmed cases in Canada, including 18 confirmed cases, nine probable cases and 14 suspected cases under investigation in the City of Toronto.
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health designated monkeypox to be a Disease of Public Health Significance (DOPHS) under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA), effective June 16, 2022.
The Point of Care Risk Assessment (PCRA) must be completed by Paramedics before every patient interaction and task to determine whether there is a risk to the Paramedic of being exposed to an infection, such as monkeypox. When performing the PCRA, it is important that Paramedics be aware of travel history to Quebec or other areas where outbreaks have been identified, as well as the signs and symptoms of the virus which include:
A lesion or rash (will often appear within a few days after symptoms begin, starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body),
· Fever and/or chills,
· Headache,
· Muscle aches and/or backache,
· Exhaustion, and
· Swollen lymph nodes.
Patients with a confirmed, probable or suspected case of monkeypox should be reverse isolated, if it is tolerated. Paramedics are to wear a fit-tested, seal-checked N95 respirator, eye protection (goggles, face shield, or safety glasses with side protection), gown and gloves when providing direct care to or interacting with a patient with a suspected or confirmed case of monkeypox.
A targeted approach to vaccination and treatment for high-risk groups is being taken at this time. Toronto Public Health began a series of community based vaccination clinics on Sunday, June 12 to help curb the spread of the virus in Toronto.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. More information about monkeypox, is available on the City of Toronto’s Monkeypox webpage, and on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website.
Take care, and stay safe.
(Original signed by)
Jennifer Shield
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