Monkeypox was first identified in a lab nearly 70 years ago among research monkeys (hence its name). It occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of central and west Africa but has been occasionally exported to other regions. It’s gotten little global attention until the recent rising cases in countries in Europe, the U.S. and Canada.

Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. Typical symptoms include fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications.

We have been hearing alot about the virus in recent weeks so joining us today is Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Newfoundland and Labrador's Chief Medical Officer of Health to help us better understand the Monkeypox virus, what is happening around the world and at home and what we and our public health agencies can do to control its spread and manage its treatment.