Ottawa [Canada], August 7:Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam said Friday that the government had deployed more than 99,000 doses of Imvamune vaccine to provinces and territories, with more than 50,000 people vaccinated as of Aug. 11.
Tam said in a statement that a special advisory committee on monkeypox response was set up much like what was done for COVID-19 over two years ago.
"To date, our discussions have focused on testing, working with community organizations to raise awareness on ways to limit spread of the virus, and deployment of the Imvamune vaccine and therapeutics," Tam said.
The Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed 1,059 cases of monkeypox in the country as of Friday.
There have been 28 reported hospitalizations, including two ICU admissions, and no deaths due to monkeypox in Canada, according to the top doctor.
"Increasing awareness and understanding is crucial," she said. "Public education to equip people with the information they need to make informed choices is an essential part of our response."
"It is important to stress that anyone regardless of their sex, gender, race or sexual orientation can become infected with or spread the virus. We are urging everyone to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox, and to learn how to reduce the risk of getting infected and spreading the virus to others," she said.
Experts say monkeypox is a viral disease that can spread from person to person through close contact with an infected person, including through hugs, kisses, massages or sexual intercourse.
Source: Xinhua
