The Saskatchewan Health Authority has confirmed one Saskatchewan resident has contracted monkeypox. 

The monkeypox virus is a rare disease with symptoms including fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes. 

"The risk in Saskatchewan and Canada remains low, but residents are encouraged to be aware of the symptoms and contact a health care provider if they suspect they may be infected," Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Julie Kryzanowski said. 

It’s believed the person contracted the virus outside of the province. An investigation including contact tracing is underway. No other information, such as the location, gender and age, of the resident is being released. 

Public health will provide notifications to communities and location if the risk to others is considered high. 

Monkeypox can spread from person to person through prolonged face-to-face close 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. 

If you have recently travelled to areas of Canada or the world with confirmed cases of monkeypox or have been in contact with someone suspected or confirmed to have monkeypox, and develop symptoms within three weeks of returning, you should call HealthLine 811 or consult a health care provider immediately. 

More information about monkeypox can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan’s website.