The Saskatchewan Health Authority is alerting the public about the elevated risk of acquiring Monkeypox through what they call “anonymous sexual contact” due to recent known cases associated with this source of transmission.

The SHA says information provided to public health, related to travel into and out of the province has prompted the alert.

Individuals who believe they have been exposed can contact the 811 Healthline to determine if they are considered at risk or eligible for a vaccine.

The SHA says if you have recently been in contact with an individual with suspected or confirmed monkeypox and develop fever or other symptoms of illness, you should call HealthLine 811 or consult a health care provider immediately.

Monkeypox is a rare viral illness that causes fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and lethargy, followed by the development of a rash over a person’s body. Monkeypox does not spread easily from person to person. It is spread through:

•    Close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact;
•    touching bodily fluids or lesions of a person who is sick with the disease; or
•    exposure to contaminated objects such as bed linens or clothing.