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Earlier this month, the World Health Organization stated that mpox was a cause for international concern, as the number of cases of the disease continues to increase. Here in Saskatchewan, though, officials aren’t too concerned about it spreading in the province.
When asked about what concerns people in the province should have about the illness, the provincial Ministry of Health advised in an email there have been no reported cases of mpox in Saskatchewan since 2022, and the risk to residents remains low.
The illness is commonly found in parts of central and western Africa. Those who have travelled to areas with confirmed cases of mpox may be at risk if they attended any gatherings or events that included close, prolonged, and frequent skin-to-skin contact, as this is the main method of transmission of the illness. The most commonly reported risk factor, according to the Ministry of Health, is sexual contact.
For those who have travelled to areas where there are confirmed cases of mpox, or if a person has been in contact with someone with suspected or confirmed mpox, the Ministry of Health recommends monitoring for fever and other symptoms of the illness for three weeks. If those symptoms develop, they should consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.