The Canadian leader of the World Health Organization’s fight against monkeypox says it is crucial to act before the virus begins to spread to the general population.
Dr. Rosamund Lewis, WHO Technical Officer for Monkeypox, grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and Ottawa before studying medicine at McGill University.
Lewis says it’s important not to be alarmed about the virus that spreads through close contact, including sexual contact, and has so far mainly affected men who have sex with men.
She says it is important for people to be aware of the symptoms and risks associated with the virus and to take precautions if they are at risk.
She says a situation like the current outbreak has never been seen before, the virus may have mutated to become more transmissible and many of the current cases are less severe than those derived from the “classic” presentation of the virus. .
Lewis says that in the past, people have usually been exposed to the virus after eating wild meat.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 11, 2022.