Montreal monkeypox cases levelling off, but officials concerned by rises elsewhere
MONTREAL — Monkeypox cases in Montreal appear to be hitting a plateau, but authorities say they’re worried that soaring infections in the United States and a low vaccination rate could help the disease surge anew in the city.
Dr. Geneviève Bergeron of Montreal public health says that while the situation in the city has stabilized in recent weeks, she fears the busy tourist and travel season could compromise efforts to contain the disease.
“We’re concerned we might see an increase over the coming weeks because of travel and how connected we are with different countries, so we are being quite vigilant with the progress pattern that we see right now,” she said Monday in an interview.
Last month, public health officials described Montreal as the epicentre of the monkeypox outbreak in North America and expanded vaccination against the disease to all men who have sex with men.