News release: June 27, 2022
Peel Public Health reports first case of Monkeypox
Mississauga, ON - (June 27, 2022) – Peel Public Health has confirmed the first case of Monkeypox in the region. The person is an adult male in his 30’s living in Mississauga. The risk to the public remains low.
Monkeypox virus is part of the same virus family as smallpox. Symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and a rash/lesions (which may appear on the face or genitals and then spread to other areas).
If an individual has any symptoms, they should contact their healthcare provider and avoid close contact with others until symptoms have improved and rash/lesion(s) has healed.
Monkeypox spreads through close contact with an infected individual. Most transmission occurs primarily through close contact with the lesions of monkeypox. The virus can be transmitted through large droplets or by sharing contaminated items. Common household disinfectants can kill the monkeypox virus.
Most people recover on their own without treatment. Individuals who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for monkeypox should self-monitor for symptoms, and contact Peel Public Health to see if they are eligible for vaccination.
To reduce risk of infection, residents are reminded to use precaution when engaging in intimate activities with others. Vaccination is available for high-risk contacts of cases and for those deemed at high risk of exposure to monkeypox.
The risk to the community remains low. We are working with our community partners to increase access to vaccine for high-risk individuals in Peel.
Dr. Kate Bingham, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Peel Region
Media contact
Ashleigh Hawkins
Communications Specialist, Peel Public Health
Region of Peel
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
