In only a matter of weeks, the number of monkeypox cases has skyrocketed in Quebec and the rest of Canada.

The province remains the Canadian epicentre of the monkeypox virus as Quebec officially reached a total of 211 cases as of July 6, 2022 — an increase of 209 cases in a matter of a month.

The majority of monkeypox cases are in the Greater Montreal area.

Montreal public health confirmed the first two cases of monkeypox in Quebec on May 19, 2022. The virus, which can be transmitted through close contact between two individuals, has led to growing concern among authorities.

Public health officials are now urging the general public to remain on the lookout for possible cases to slow down the spread of the virus.

Monkeypox has been described as a virus similar to smallpox, though it causes milder symptoms, including fever, skin lesions, joint and muscle pain, headache and night sweats. According to the CDC, monkeypox infections are rarely fatal.

Anyone who shows similar symptoms is advised to cover their sores and seek medical attention in order to be assessed by a medical professional. Currently, no deaths related to the virus have been reported in Quebec or elsewhere across the country.

Despite growing concern, the situation appears to be under control so far.

"The global knowledge about monkeypox is growing, and we have stocks of vaccines, which we will maintain… For now, I would like to remind the public that this disease is spread through close contact," said federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos at a press conference in May.

"Public health measures like physical distancing, handwashing and respiratory etiquette such as wearing masks can help reduce your risk."

On June 14, Quebec's National Director of Public Health, Dr. Luc Boileau, confirmed the expansion of a vaccination campaign in Quebec. The vaccine against monkeypox can be administered to people who have been in contact with confirmed or probable cases.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.