News

With the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Mpox a public health emergency of international concern, the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit (HNHU) wants to remind eligible residents to get vaccinated against Mpox.  

Since mid-January, 142 cases of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) have been confirmed across Ontario, compared to only 33 confirmed cases reported in 2023. 

About Mpox 

Mpox is a virus that spreads from person to person through contact with infected lesions, skin blisters, body fluids or respiratory secretions. It can also be transmitted by contact with materials contaminated with the virus, including clothing or bedding. Currently, in Canada, Mpox has spread mostly between people who have had close, intimate or sexual contact, particularly with male-to-male interactions. There are two known subtypes of the Mpox virus called clades: clade I and clade II. Clade II is divided into two subclades: clade IIa and clade IIb. All Mpox cases reported in Canada have been caused by clade IIb Mpox virus.  

The increase in Mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a growing number of countries in Africa, which led to the declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern, has been caused by Clade I.  

Hand hygiene continues to be recommended to prevent the spread of the virus.  

Vaccination 

HNHU reminds eligible residents to get vaccinated against Mpox as the virus spreads internationally in Ontario and other areas.  HNHU recommends two doses of the vaccine to provide the best protection, with the second dose taken 28 days or more after the first dose. To learn more about the eligibility requirements for publicly funded Mpox vaccine and to book an appointment at an upcoming vaccine clinic please visit our website at please visit hnhu.org/Mpox.