Ten cases of monkeypox in Hamilton men

Hamilton has had 10 cases of monkeypox and weekly vaccination clinics are being held for those most at risk to try to curb the spread.

All of the 10 cases from June 15 to Aug. 2 were men with an average age of 36 years.

The most common risk factors reported from cases to date include multiple sex contacts in the last six months, sex with same sex, a new sex contact in the last two months and anonymous sex," said Jordan Walker, acting director of epidemiology, wellness and communicable disease control.

He pointed out there could be more than 10 cases because monkeypox has a long incubation period - potentially up to 21 days - so this may result in increased data lag and reporting."

Reaction to the monkeypox update Wednesday to Hamilton's board of health shows the fine line public health walks in providing clear and accurate information without stigmatizing the LGBTQ community.

When we describe monkeypox as being something that is predominately male and predominately in the gay community ... it shouldn't be described in a manner that would unintentionally result in further stigmatization, abuse and physical attacks in the gay community," said Coun. Brad Clark. We've seen it happen with HIV."

Coun. Maureen Wilson also expressed concern about repeating the mistakes at the start of the AIDS epidemic in 1981.

I would just like to express ... concern with the language that we use moving forward on this so we do not inadvertently repeat some of the risks and dangers certain members of our community were placed in decades ago," she said. The unintentional consequence that could come in adding further to the stigma of a community that is already burdened with one and already has heightened risk on a number of fronts."

But Mayor Fred Eisenberger pointed out that there is also danger in ignoring the clear data.

We would be criticizing the very same department if ... advance warning wasn't given," he said. There is a responsibility to inform."

Associate medical officer of health Dr. Bart Harvey said there is no way to get around that those most at risk right now for monkeypox are men having sex with men.

To not be straightforward and clear about it would be misleading," said Harvey. One of our most important roles is to be able to assess the cases, summarize the cases and then communicate that back to the community."

Another worry expressed by councillors was ensuring the public is aware that monkeypox isn't a sexually transmitted disease. The viral disease is spread by very close contact. It causes fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes and tiredness. A rash can also develop about one to three days after the other symptoms. Most people recover within two to four weeks, however, some can get severely ill.

I was feeling quite uncomfortable with the description," Coun. Nrinder Nann said about the presentation to the board. There has been a lot of expressed concern in the community and globally right now about an overemphasis on the spread of monkeypox being placed into a sexualized context."

But, again, public health pointed out that it has to be upfront about how monkeypox is currently spreading.

It's not a sexually transmitted infection but the cases to date have been primarily transmitted and circulating within the communities that have been identified," said Walker. We do need to be cognizant of where the virus is being detected, where it is being transmitted and responding to that."

The city is holding vaccination clinics every Thursday at CF Lime Ridge Mall by appointment only at 905-974-9848 (option 7). So far, 199 men have come out to get the shot as of Aug. 3.

Those who are eligible to be vaccinated include men over age 18 who have sex with men. They must also belong to at least one of the following categories or plan to engage in these activities:

• Two or more sexual partners within the past 21 days;

• Diagnosed with a chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis infection over the past two months;

• Attended bath houses, sex clubs and other venues for sexual contact within the past 21 days, including workers and volunteers;

• Anonymous or casual sex in the last 21 days;

• Engage in sex work.

In addition, close contacts of cases are being informed by public health and offered vaccination - 11 had got the shot as of Aug. 3.

Joanna Frketich is a health reporter at The Spectator. jfrketich@thespec.com