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Local Update On Mpox

On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization declared that the increase in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and parts of Africa is a public health emergency of international concern.

Currently the risk of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) to residents of Simcoe Muskoka is very low. Travelers to regions where there are outbreaks (several countries in Africa) should be aware of the signs and symptoms of mpox.

The health unit continues to closely monitor the situation and advise anyone who develops symptoms or who has had contact with suspected or known case of mpox to contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Individuals who are awaiting test results or have a confirmed mpox infection must remain isolated. For further information, please refer to the health unit's guidance for self-isolation.

Mpox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV) that causes flu-like symptoms such as fevers and chills, and a rash that develops within a few days. It is part of the same family as smallpox, though typically less severe.

Previously, it was found mostly in areas of Africa but since May 2022, it has been seen in many other areas of the world. Globally, including Canada and Ontario, there was an increase in mpox in 2023. Locally, one confirmed case has been reported in 2024. Prior to that, no confirmed cases have been reported in Simcoe Muskoka since 2022.

There is no proven treatment and mpox usually goes away on its own, although antiviral treatment may be used for severe hospitalized cases. A vaccine is available for prevention or post-exposure to the virus.

Mpox can be spread through touch contact with the virus. At this time, the most common way to acquire and spread mpox is through close skin-to-skin and sexual contact.

Mpox can be transmitted person-to-person through:

  • direct contact with skin lesions, scabs and bodily fluids, particularly through sexual contact
  • close skin-to-skin contact and sexual or intimate contact with an infected person
  • contact with clothing or linens (such as bedding or towels) used by an infected person
  • respiratory secretions from an individual with mpox (such as when a person coughs or sneezes)

The virus spreads when your skin comes into contact with lesion(s)/scab(s), mucus membranes, respiratory secretions, or body/biological fluids of someone who has the mpox virus.

Mpox is contagious until lesion scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed below the scab. This process usually takes 2-4 weeks.

Mpox is usually a mild illness, with most people recovering on their own after a few weeks; however, some may have severe illness and need to be hospitalized. People typically develop symptoms five to 21 days after being exposed to the mpox virus. Symptoms occur in two stages and typically last from 2-4 weeks.

In stage one, symptoms may include:

  • fever
  • chills
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • headache
  • muscle pain
  • joint pain
  • back pain
  • exhaustion
  • sore throat and cough

In stage two of the illness, a rash develops - usually within 1-3 days (sometimes longer) after the fever starts. The rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body which can include the hands, feet, mouth, and genitals. Some people experience an atypical mpox illness presentation starting with genital, perianal, or oral rash/lesion(s) which may start before other typical signs and symptoms of mpox.

The rash can last between 2-4 weeks and changes through different stages before finally forming a scab which later falls off.

Imvamune® vaccine is approved in Canada for protection against mpox. The vaccine contains weakened virus and cannot make you sick. The vaccine can be used for protection against mpox before getting exposed to the virus (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or after being exposed (post-exposure prophylaxis). Read more about the vaccine here

The following groups are now eligible for first doses of Imvamune® vaccine for pre-exposure prophylaxis:

  • Two-Spirit, non-binary, transgender, cisgender, intersex, or gender-queer individuals who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual, pansexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community AND who meet one or more of the following:
  • have more than one partner
  • are in a relationship where at least one of the partners has other sexual partners
  • have had a confirmed sexually transmitted infection within the last year
  • have attended venues for sexual contact (for example, bath houses, sex clubs)
  • have had anonymous sex recently (for example, using hookup apps)
  • sexual partners of individuals who meet the criteria above
  • sex workers (regardless of gender, sex assigned at birth, or sexual orientation) or who are a sexual contact of an individual who engages in sex work
  • staff or volunteers in sex-on-premises venues where workers may have contact with surfaces or objects that may be contaminated with mpox
  • individuals who engage in sex tourism (regardless of gender, sex assigned at birth, or sexual orientation)
  • individuals who anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios

Household contacts of those identified for pre-exposure vaccination eligibility above who are moderately to severely immunocompromised or who are pregnant may be at higher risk for severe illness from mpox infection and may be considered for pre-exposure vaccination.

Anyone who self-identifies as a high-risk contact of a confirmed or probable case of mpox should contact their local public health unit for further assessment to see if post-exposure vaccination would be recommended.

Research laboratory employees working directly with replicating orthopoxviruses are also eligible to receive vaccination.

People living in Simcoe Muskoka who meet the above eligibility criteria can complete this online form and someone from public health will contact them to book a vaccination appointment, or they can contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 for further assistance.

If you don't meet the above criteria, consult with your healthcare provider, pharmacy or local travel clinic to see if the vaccine is available for purchase.
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