Public health officials in the province are reporting the first case of the monkeypox virus in Saskatchewan.

One resident has contracted the virus – which has symptoms that include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

In a statement released today Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Julie Kryzanowski said ” The risk in Saskatchewan and Canada remains low, but residents are encouraged to be aware of the symptoms and contact a health care provider if they suspect they may be infected”.

Authorities are investigating, and tracing the origins of the virus in the province, preliminary tracing indicates that transmission likely occurred outside of the province.

Due to the risk of identifying the individual, information about the location, gender, age, etc. of this case will not be released.

Health officials will provide public notification to a community or location if the risk to others is considered high.

Monkeypox does not spread easily from person to person. It is spread through:
• prolonged face-to-face close contact;
• touching bodily fluids or lesions of a person who is sick with the disease; or
• exposure to contaminated objects such as bed linens or clothing.
If you have recently travelled to areas of Canada or the world with confirmed cases of monkeypox or have been in contact with an individual with suspected or confirmed monkeypox, and develop fever or other symptoms of illness within three weeks of returning to Saskatchewan, you should call HealthLine 811 or consult a health care provider immediately.