Dr. Jazz Atwal, deputy chief provincial public health officer, announced this afternoon that one confirmed case of monkeypox has been identified in Manitoba. It's the first case, and due to the risk of identifying the individual, information about their region of residence, gender and age is not being released. 

Atwal explains notification to close contacts will be provided as well as to specific locations if the risk to others is considered high and contacts may be unknown. Investigation is ongoing by public health including contact tracing. However, he notes, indications are that the virus was most likely contracted outside of the province.

While anyone can become infected with the virus, Atwal says cases in Canada and around the world indicate that infections are primarily reported among people who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community.  He adds these individuals are eligible for a preventative vaccination under certain criteria.

Walk-in vaccinations will be made available to eligible people in Winnipeg at 490 Hargrave St. on Aug. 23, 24 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

It is reported that people who are a close contact to someone with monkeypox continue to be eligible for post-exposure vaccination and should contact their local public health office to make an appointment.

Additional information about the virus or immunizations can contact the local public health office, health-care provider or Health Links-Info Santé.