Should Canadians be worried about mpox? What to know as World Health Organization declares virus outbreak a global public health emergency
The Public Health Agency of Canada says the risk for the new strain of mpox virus "remains low" at this time.
Earlier this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the surge in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and several other African countries a public health emergency of international concern. The WHO expressed concerns that the virus, and the emergence of new, more dangerous strain of the virus, called clade I, could continue to spread throughout African countries — and potentially, outside of the continent.
"Significant efforts are already underway in close collaboration with communities and governments, with our country teams working on the frontlines to help reinforce measures to curb mpox," said WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti. "With the growing spread of the virus, we’re scaling up further through coordinated international action to support countries bring the outbreaks to an end.”
The WHO's statement comes a day after Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention declared the situation a "public health emergency of continental security" following an outbreak of mpox in 18 countries, with approximately 15,000 mpox cases and more than 500 deaths reported to date.
Should Canadians be concerned about mpox?
On Aug. 14, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said that although there is an "ongoing outbreak of clade II mpox" in Canada that began in 2022, it is believed that the strain is "less severe" than clade I. PHAC said the organization "has been monitoring for mpox virus through wastewater surveillance in Canada since July 2022 and has the ability to test for clade I and clade II."
"There have been no cases of clade I mpox virus to date in Canada," the statement said. "Although the risk to people in Canada from clade I mpox remains low at this time, the Government of Canada is closely monitoring the mpox situation in the DRC and neighbouring countries, while working with domestic and international partners to determine opportunities for support."
PHAC noted that Canada has secured sufficient supply of mpox vaccines to support provincial and territorial programs for the prevention and control of mpox in Canada" for both clade I and II.
What is the current status of mpox in Canada?
On Aug. 13, Toronto Public Health (TPH) issued a press release urging at-risk communities to seek pre-exposure vaccines for mpox.
According to TPH's press release, as of July 31, 93 cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) have been confirmed, with a majority of cases reported in the city's downtown core. The latest numbers are a significant increase compared to the 21 confirmed cases during the same period last year.
Health officials said the virus has “spread mostly between people who have had close/intimate or sexual contact with a person who has the virus – with gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men being most affected.”
Has clade I spread outside of African countries?
On Thursday, Sweden's public health reported a case of clade I mpox and says it is believed to be the first case of the new virus strain outside of the African continent.
"The affected person has also been infected during a stay in an area of Africa where there is a large outbreak of mpox clade 1," said Olivia Wigzell, acting head of Sweden's public health in a press conference.
What is mpox?
Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus (also known as MPXV) that can be transmitted from person to person or through contact with infected animals.
People can transmit mpox to one another via intimate or sexual contact, contact with bodily fluids, rashes, sores and scabs or via droplets from a cough or sneeze or through. According to Toronto Public Health, the virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated materials like bedding, dishes, eating utensils, towels and needles.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mpox symptoms can include:
Fever
Headache
Swollen lymph nodes
Back pain
Muscle aches
Fatigue
Sore throat
Rash
Mpox symptoms can occur between one to 21 days after exposure to the virus. While some people may notice fever, sore throat or muscle aches first, others may develop flat, liquid-filled blisters on their hands, feet, face and genitals as their initial symptom.
The WHO states that the goal in treating mpox is to “take care of the rash, manage pain and prevent complications.”
Who is eligible for a pre-exposure vaccine?
Imvamune is an approved mpox vaccine that requires two doses, administered 28 days apart. According to Toronto Public Health, eligible parties include people who self-identify as part of the LGBTQ2S+ community (or have sex with people who self-identify as LGBTQ2S+) and meet certain criteria based on their sexual health and activities. For a full list of criteria, click here.
Who is eligible for a post-exposure vaccine?
Public health officials can help assess whether or not you should receive a post-exposure mpox vaccine. According to Toronto Public Health, vaccines should be administered within four days of of contact with the virus but can be given 14 days within days of exposure.
What should I do if I think I have mpox?
People who suspect they have mpox are encouraged to contact a healthcare provider and self-isolate to prevent the spread of the virus.
Vaccines are not recommended for people who have or have recently had mpox.
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