N.L.’s health system wasn’t ready for monkeypox, say province’s first 2 cases – CBC

In exclusive interview, 2 men say 811 told them they couldn’t get tested

Aug 11, 2022

The first two people diagnosed with monkeypox in Newfoundland and Labrador say incorrect information from the provincial Public Health department prevented them from getting properly tested and delayed access to protection for their close contacts.

Both men — CBC News has agreed not to identify them because they’re concerned about the stigma associated with the disease — attended different Pride events outside the province at the end of June.

The 22-year-old man who was the first probable case, which Public Health announced July 28, said he had been at a Pride event at the end of June outside Canada.

He says he started feeling unwell when he returned. At first he thought he had COVID-19. It was only after a friend told him about monkeypox cases identified at parties he attended that he realized he might have it.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/monkeypox-nl-cases-1.6547457