Canada confirms first 2 cases of monkeypox in Quebec

The first confirmed case of monkeypox has been identified in Canada.

The Public Health Agency of Canada said there are now two cases of monkeypox in Quebec.

In a statement last night, the agency said the investigation into monkeypox is evolving and ongoing in Canada and around the world.

Earlier Thursday, the Quebec Health Department confirmed the province’s first two cases of monkeypox and said 20 other suspected cases are under investigation.

The department said people should be aware of its symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes and a rash that often appears within a few days after symptoms such as a fever develop.

The rare disease is spread through prolonged close contact with someone who is infected.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic infectious disease found in parts of central and West Africa.

“Limited cases have been identified in other regions in the past, including the United Kingdom, United States, Israel and Singapore,” the agency said.

Close to one in 10 people die after contracting the virus in the continent.