Friday, March 29, 2024
ADVT 
National

Monkeypox cases reach 278 in Canada

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 30 Jun, 2022 11:49 AM
  • Monkeypox cases reach 278 in Canada

Canada's top doctor says negotiations are underway for more vaccine to curtail monkeypox as confirmed cases reached 278 nationwide.

Chief public health officer Theresa Tam says there are "continuing discussions and contract negotiations" to obtain doses from Bavarian Nordic, the Danish manufacturer of a smallpox vaccine approved for use against monkeypox.

She says current doses are coming from Canada's National Emergency Strategic Stockpile for targeted use in high-risk areas.

That includes Quebec, where Tam says more than 7,000 people have received shots, and Ontario, where she estimates about 5,000 people have been vaccinated.

She says provinces have the supply they need for now, but that federal officials are keeping close tabs as regions draw down supply.

Tam says that as of June 29, there were 202 confirmed cases of monkeypox reported from Quebec, 67 from Ontario, five from Alberta, and four from British Columbia.

The majority of cases are males between the ages of 20 and 69 years, and the majority reported intimate sexual contact with other men, although the risk of monkeypox is not exclusive to any group or setting.

Tam stressed that anyone, no matter their gender or sexual orientation, could get infected if they are in close contact with someone who has monkeypox, or if they come in contact with personal objects belonging to someone infected, including towels or bed linens.

Bavarian Nordic said earlier this month that the Public Health Agency of Canada had agreed to a US$56 million, five-year contract to purchase their Imvamune vaccine.

Deliveries were expected to begin in 2023.

Tam would not comment on how much remains in Canada's stockpile, but said provinces now carrying out vaccinations "have what they need."

"We've been having very close bilateral discussions with provinces in terms of the supply as they begin to draw down on the supply allocated to their particular jurisdiction," Tam said Thursday.

"Of course, there is continuing discussions and contract negotiations with Bavarian Nordic, the manufacturer, to access more."

MORE National ARTICLES

Multiple injuries in shooting at B.C. bank

Multiple injuries in shooting at B.C. bank
Police in Saanich, B.C., near Victoria, say multiple people have been injured after an exchange of gunfire between suspects and police officers. Police are asking the public to avoid the area.  

Multiple injuries in shooting at B.C. bank

Heat stays in Yukon, storms approach in B.C.

Heat stays in Yukon, storms approach in B.C.
In B.C., the heat wave that pushed the mercury to the low- to mid-30s for three days has ended but severe thunderstorm watches are posted for the central and southern Interior.

Heat stays in Yukon, storms approach in B.C.

Surrey seizure of drugs and guns results in 1,520 potentially fatal doses of Fentanyl off the streets, enough to supply a full school.

Surrey seizure of drugs and guns results in 1,520 potentially fatal doses of Fentanyl off the streets, enough to supply a full school.
The passengers of the vehicle were identified and released pending further investigation. The 25-year old female driver remains in custody on a number of firearms related charges and the investigation remains ongoing.    

Surrey seizure of drugs and guns results in 1,520 potentially fatal doses of Fentanyl off the streets, enough to supply a full school.

One dead in a vehicle fire caused by a collision: Burnaby RCMP

One dead in a vehicle fire caused by a collision: Burnaby RCMP
The vehicle, described as a Black Jeep Cherokee was travelling northbound on Boundary Road prior to the collision. The driver, and sole occupant was pronounced dead on scene.

One dead in a vehicle fire caused by a collision: Burnaby RCMP

Blundell Rd and No 4 road closed in Richmond due to crash involving car and motorcycle

Blundell Rd and No 4 road closed in Richmond due to crash involving car and motorcycle
The driver of the motorcycle has been transported to a local area hospital with serious injuries. Blundell Rd and No 4 Rd will be closed in all directions for an undetermined period of time.    

Blundell Rd and No 4 road closed in Richmond due to crash involving car and motorcycle

Mission man suffers self-inflicted wounds in presence of police

Mission man suffers self-inflicted wounds in presence of police
During the course of searching the 2-storey home officers reportedly heard a gun shot, and located the injured man with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury and an alleged weapon.    

Mission man suffers self-inflicted wounds in presence of police