THUNDER BAY — Rainbow Collective of Thunder Bay is calling for the immediate opening of high-risk vaccinations against Monkeypox for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in all areas of Canada, including Thunder Bay.
The organization, which advocates for gender and sexual diversity, says lessons used from the COVID-19 pandemic should be used to head off infections from the Monkeypox virus.
In a statement Monday, Rainbow Collective said a proactive approach is necessary to protect the highest-risk communities.
The World Health Organization on Friday declared Monkeypox a Global Health Emergency.
As of July 21, Ontario had 288 confirmed cases, more than three-quarters of which were reported in the Toronto area.
All but one of the infections were in men.
Signs and symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox:
- fever
- headaches
- muscle aches
- a lack of energy
A rash resembling pimples and pus-filled blisters may subsequently develop all over the body.
The Centres for Disease Control in the U.S. says more than 99 per cent of patients survive, but infections can be fatal in young children, people with compromised immune systems, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Monkeypox can be spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids or lesions of infected individuals, via respiratory droplets from an infected person, or from mother to fetus.
According to the latest published data, there are currently no confirmed cases in Northwestern Ontario.
But Rainbow Collective of Thunder Bay said action is required from political leaders and health officials "before it's too late."
President Jason Veltri called on Thunder Bay District Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janet DeMille to take an active role in supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in TBDHU's catchment area to ensure the virus doesn't make its way to this area.
Veltri said Rainbow Collective is ready to work with TBDHU to ensure high-risk individuals have equitable access to the vaccine.
He also wants local MP's Patty Hajdu and Marcus Powlowski to advocate for greater access from Health Canada for the Monkeypox vaccine across Canada.
In reply to an inquiry from TBnewswatch, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit said it has a limited amount of vaccine that can be used according to current provincial guidance.
Although there are no diagnosed Monkeypox cases here, the supply was shipped to the city as a precaution in the event that it's required.
Director of Health Protection and Chief Nursing Officer Diana Gowanlock said TBDHU continues to engage with the Ministry of Health regarding expanded eligibility to additional high-risk populations.
Gowanlock said the health unit is also consulting with community groups, and will provide additional information as soon as it's available.
