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TORONTO — The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in Ontario has passed the 400 mark.
Public Health Ontario says more than three-quarters of the 423 cases are in Toronto.
So far there are no confirmed or probable cases in Northwestern Ontario, but the two health units in the Sudbury and North Bay/Parry Sound areas have reported three cases.
The number of cases across the province has increased about 15 per cent since July 28.
No deaths have been reported to date.
Although the majority of cases have been identified among males who report sexual or intimate contact with other males, the agency cautioned that anyone can get monkeypox.
Factors that may increase the potential risk for exposure include close, sexual, and/or other intimate contact with someone who has a monkeypox rash, sore, or scabs.
The most commonly reported symptoms include a rash, oral/genital lesions, swollen lymph nodes, a headache, a fever, chills, myalgia or fatigue.
Eleven of the 423 cases have resulted in hospitalization, including two requiring intensive care.
On July 25, the Rainbow Collective of Thunder Bay issued a statement advocating vaccinations for members of high-risk groups.
The World Health Organization recently declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
