Our Health Unit region confirmed its first case of mpox (monkeypox) in July, 2022. The risk of contracting mpox in our district remains very low.
Anyone can get infected and spread mpox regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and race. Understanding of the virus is still evolving, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
What is mpox (monkeypox)? |
Mpox (monkeypox) is a rare viral illness caused by the mpox virus. The mpox virus can be contracted by anyone - no matter their age, race, gender or sexual orientation. However, transmission patterns currently suggest that men who have sex with men have been impacted the most, and it is primarily spreading through sustained close/intimate contact and sexual networks. The virus does not spread through casual contact. We have not had transmission of mpox within our district and the risk of contracting mpox locally remains low. |
What are the symptoms of mpox (monkeypox)? |
Symptoms usually start 5 to 21 days after being exposed and typically last for 2 to 4 weeks. People will develop a rash and/or skin lesion(s) that can be found on any part of the body.
Other symptoms can include fever, chills and/or sweats, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle/body aches, back pain, joint pain, sore throat, cough, runny nose or nasal congestion, weakness, and/or exhaustion. View what the lesions can look like on this page. |
How is mpox (monkeypox) spread? |
From one person with the virus to another person through:
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How to prevent being infected with mpox (monkeypox)? |
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Testing for mpox (monkeypox) |
If you spot a new rash or blisters or any other of the listed mpox (monkeypox) symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or call the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808. It is important that you are tested as soon as possible. If you test positive for mpox you will be contacted by a Health Unit staff member, who will walk you through the next steps. |
How to prevent spreading mpox (monkeypox) to others? |
It is important to self-isolate f you have or think you have mpox (monkeypox). Tips to avoid spreading the infection:
Keep rash and/or lesion(s) covered (wear bandages, long sleeve top, and long pants). Avoid contact with other people:
Be mindful of contaminated objects, materials, or surfaces:
Avoid contact with animals:
The Health Unit will let you know when you can stop self-isolating. |
Is there a treatment for mpox (monkeypox)? |
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Is there a vaccine against mpox (monkeypox)? |
*Individuals eligible for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP):
b) Any individual who engages in sex work or may be planning to. To be screened for eligibility and to book an appointment contact the Health Unit’s Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5252. Appointments will continue to be booked based on vaccine availability, should there no longer be vaccine available a waitlist is being created. |
More mpox (monkeypox) information:
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- Ontario Ministry of Health
- Public Health Ontario
- Contact our Communicable Disease Control Program at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5229.
References:
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Ministry of Health. Appendix 1: Case definitions and disease-specific information – Disease: Smallpox and other Orthopoxviruses, including Monkeypox. July 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/oph_standards/docs/smallpox_chapter.pdf
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Ministry of Health. Recommendations for the management of cases and contacts of monkeypox in Ontario. July 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/emb/docs/monkeypox_case_contact_mngt_recco.pdf
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Public Health Agency of Canada. Monkeypox: How it spreads, prevention and risks. August 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/monkeypox/risks.html
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Public Health Agency of Canada. Monkeypox: Public health management of cases and contacts in Canada. June 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/monkeypox/health-professionals/management-cases-contacts.html
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Public Health Agency of Canada. Monkeypox: Symptoms, getting tested, what to do if you’re infected or were exposed. June 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/monkeypox/symptoms-management.html