Toronto Has 18 Confirmed Cases of Monkeypox & 23 Cases Are Being Investigated

Toronto Public Health (TPH) confirmed that there are seven "new lab-confirmed cases" of monkeypox as of June 13 in Toronto, bringing the total amount of confirmed cases to 18.

TPH announced in a tweet on June 13 at 3:24 p.m., confirming that along with the seven news cases, "23 cases are under investigation for this virus."

In a follow-up tweet, TPH said they will "continue to keep the public informed" with updates Monday to Friday at 3 p.m.

Monkeypox is a" viral zoonosis disease" which can be transferred from animals to humans. According to TPH, it includes symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, backache, and rashes or lesions.

The virus can be spread through close contact with another person from "respiratory droplets, direct contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids, or indirect contact through contaminated clothing or linens."

It can also be transmitted through infected animals by bites, scratches or the preparation of wild game meat. Although it's important to note that the virus is not as easily spread as COVID-19 and most people recover from the illness by themselves "within two to four weeks."

Over the weekend, TPH and the Gay Men's Sexual Health Alliance, among other partners in the community, hosted a vaccination clinic for employees of Toronto bathhouses. They will continue to hold vaccination clinics for anyone who has come in contact with a case of monkeypox or those at higher risk of contracting the disease.

According to TPH, "in a number of countries, gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men have been affected," although any person of any sexual orientation can be infected.