Public health officials have confirmed that one resident within Saskatchewan has contracted monkeypox, a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. 

The Government of Saskatchewan states that typical symptoms of the virus include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. 

"The risk in Saskatchewan and Canada remains low, but residents are encouraged to be aware of the symptoms and contact a health care provider if they suspect they may be infected," Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Julie Kryzanowski said. 

Public health officials have been conducting an investigation. Contact tracing has indicated that the virus was most likely contracted outside the province. 

The Government of Saskatchewan stated that due to the risk of identifying the individual. information about the location, gender, age, etc. of the case will not be released. Health Officials will provide the public information to a community or location if the risk to others is considered high. 

The Government release stated that monkeypox does not spread easily from person to person, but is spread through:

  • prolonged face-to-face close contact
  • touching bodily fluids or lesions of a person who is sick with the disease
  • exposure to contaminated objects such as bed linens or clothing.

If you have recently travelled to areas of Canada or the world with confirmed cases of monkeypox or have been in close contact with anyone suspected or confirmed with monkeypox and develop a fever or other symptoms of illness within three weeks of returning to Saskatchewan, you should call Healthline 811 or a health care provider, stated the release. 

“The Ministry of Health and Saskatchewan Health Authority have increased surveillance for monkeypox and have alerted health care providers about signs, symptoms and treatment. The province will continue to work with the Public Health Agency of Canada and National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg to investigate any further potential cases of monkeypox in Saskatchewan,” stated the release.