4 cases of monkeypox confirmed in Vancouver Island region
There are now four confirmed cases of monkeypox in the Island Health region, the health authority confirmed Thursday.
The first case was confirmed on July 7, and Thursday was the first update from the health authority since then.
Across B.C., 61 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
The cases are located in three health authorities: Island Health, Fraser Health, and Vancouver Coastal Health.
In mid-July, Island Health launched its vaccination campaign against the illness.
"It's a targeted campaign for those at high risk of being exposed to monkeypox," said Island Health medical health officer Dr. Mike Benusic on Thursday.
The health authority says it's trying to be informative and sensitive in its vaccine efforts, with people who identify as being gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men being at highest risk for infection.
Details about vaccine eligibility, and monkeypox symptoms, can be found on the Island Health website.
"We have vaccines available in Victoria, Nanaimo and in Courtenay and so far we've administered about 500 doses," said Benusic.
A global uptick in monkeypox cases began appearing in May, with Canada seeing 745 confirmed cases as of Wednesday.
Monkeypox is a viral illness that has many symptoms similar to a flu. It is spread through close personal contact with someone who is symptomatic.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.