15 Monkeypox Cases in Canada and Expectations of Rising Numbers

The Quebec provincial health department in Canada reported 15 confirmed cases of monkeypox as of Monday, with expectations of more cases from other parts of the country. Nearly 20 countries, where monkeypox is not endemic, have recently reported outbreaks of the viral disease, with over 230 confirmed or suspected cases, mostly in Europe. Canadian Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos stated that more samples from other regions of the country have been sent to a lab in Winnipeg for testing. He added in a statement, "We expect to confirm more cases in the coming days." It is not yet clear what symptoms the infected individuals have displayed or the severity of their conditions. Monkeypox is a rare viral infection similar to smallpox, although milder, first recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1970s. The number of cases has increased in West Africa over the past decade. Canada confirmed its first two cases of monkeypox last week after authorities in Quebec reported examining 17 suspected cases.