Newfoundland and Labrador has its first probable case of monkeypox. Following clinical guidelines and recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), the Imvamune vaccine is being offered to asymptomatic individuals who are considered close contact exposures to this probable case.

Dr. Rosann Seviour, Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, will hold a media availability today (Thursday, July 28) at 10:00 a.m. in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building to discuss Monkeypox.

The availability will be live-streamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook account and on YouTube.

Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or the mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, nose, or mouth). The virus can also be spread by sharing clothing, bedding or common items that have been contaminated with the infected person’s fluids or sores. In most cases, monkeypox is usually a mild illness and most people recover on their own after a few weeks.

More information on the virus can be found here.

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Media contact
Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca