With the upcoming Pride Montreal celebrations, the Montreal Regional Directorate of Health (DRSP) is concerned about an increase in cases of monkeypox in the metropolis, primarily affecting the gay community.
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There are currently 299 confirmed cases in Montreal, including six requiring hospitalization. So far, all cases have involved people from the homosexual community.
Although the epidemiological curve appears to have plateaued for the time being over the past few weeks, the DRSP remains cautious as the holiday season approaches. It also urges vulnerable populations to get a vaccine dose.
This while other cities are facing a surge in cases.
“It is inconvenient for daily life and the isolation period is long. Since we have a very effective tool, which is the vaccine, we invite the population to go to our clinics,” said Dr. Mylène Drouin, director of the DRSP, during a public outing on Thursday.
13,250 people have received a dose since the vaccination campaign began.
“Our goal is to reach around 20,000 to 25,000. We set it based on studies done in the community on risky behaviors in recent years,” explained Dr.
The DRSP does not currently recommend taking a second dose of the vaccine.
“The fact that we don’t have an unlimited supply of vaccine leaves the strategy of vaccinating as many people as possible with one dose. At the moment, the data seems to be showing us that the efficacy is still there,” explained Dr. drouin.
On this occasion, Dr. Drouin accompanied by Simon Gamache, Executive Director of Pride Montreal, and Alexandre Dumont-Blais, Executive Director of RÉZO.
“We don’t have time for stigmatization now. What I see in the communities is mobilization and information sharing. Nobody wants this virus. The symptoms can be painful,” recalls the latter.
The two recalled that the Pride-related celebrations are necessary for people in the community who have not been able to gather for the past two years due to the pandemic situation.
“This need to be together is visceral. The festival breaks the isolation of marginalized people,” said Mr. Gamache.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently raised its highest alert level regarding the situation. On Wednesday, she also suggested that men in same-sex relationships should reduce the number of their sexual partners. Also recommended by Health Canada.
A proposal that, however, is rejected for the time being by the DRSP, which rather advocates raising awareness of the situation.
“Each individual needs to look at their behavior and level of risk. If my goal is to control an outbreak of this magnitude, I believe my tool, the vaccine, will be more effective,” said Dr. drouin.
As a reminder, monkeypox is spread through close contact, particularly through skin lesions, which are one of the main symptoms of the disease.
Those infected should self-isolate until their wounds have healed, which can take two to four weeks.