Nearly 1 in every 3 people tested for monkeypox in Ontario is positive: officials
The province reported 29 new cases of monkeypox on Tuesday, with labs reporting a total positivity rate of nearly one in three since May.
The province is now aware of 478 confirmed cases, up from 449 last week.
Among confirmed cases, 75 per cent (359) are in residents of Toronto.
Fifteen individuals have required hospitalization since May, and two people required treatment in an intensive care unit.
Seven other suspected cases are still under investigation.
Public Health Ontario told CP24 on Wednesday that as of Monday, 1,636 tests for monkeypox had been completed in the province, generating a positivity rate at the time of 31.6 per cent.
There are now three confirmed cases in females, up from two last week, still representing only 0.6 per cent of all known cases.
Other areas of the province make up the remaining 25 per cent of the caseload, with Ottawa (36 cases), Middlesex-London (13 cases), Hamilton (11 cases) and Halton and Durham (9 cases each) leading the count elsewhere.
The most commonly reported symptoms continue to be rash, oral/genital lesions, fever and fatigue.
Earlier this week, Ontario Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore said that 20,000 Ontario residents have received the Imvamune vaccine against smallpox and monkeypox so far, and that the vaccination effort was helping slow transmission of the virus.
The City of Toronto continues to host vaccination clinics aimed at the most vulnerable communities.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says it is aware of more than 30,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox in 88 countries around the world.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says it is aware of 957 cases of monkeypox across Canada.
The virus spreads primarily through sustained close contact via respiratory droplets, direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated clothes or bedding.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.