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MPox
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral infection that can be transmitted through close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated items from an infected person or animal. Mpox is usually a mild illness and symptoms often resolve over a few weeks.
The illness usually begins with the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches or pains
- Swollen lymph nodes (e.g., in the neck and groin)
- Fatigue
Within 1 to 3 days after the onset of symptoms, individuals often develop a rash on their face, limbs (including palms of the hands and soles of the feet), genitals, and/or mucous membranes (such as the mouth or nose).
Most often, individuals will recover from an infection without requiring treatment. Vaccination against smallpox can provide some protection against mpox. If you have been exposed to a confirmed or probable mpox, you may be eligible to receive a post-exposure dose of the Imvamune® vaccine.
If you have been exposed and/or are experiencing any signs or symptoms of mpox, contact your healthcare provider for medical assessment.
Vaccine Eligibility
The following people are considered at high risk for mpox exposure and are eligible for pre-exposure vaccination:
- 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, bathhouses, 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 in sexual contact with 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
For more information about mpox, visit:
Public Health Ontario (PHO): Mpox (monkeypox)
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC): Mpox (monkeypox): Outbreak update – Canada.ca
World Health Organization (WHO): Mpox (monkeypox): factsheet
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Mpox (monkeypox)
Health Care Providers
Effective June 16, 2022, MPox has been designated a Disease of Public Health Significance (DOPHS) under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA). Healthcare providers are required to report: persons under investigation (PUI), suspected, probable and confirmed cases directly to their local boards of health. Please notify HNHU of any individuals who are being investigated for Mpox by calling 519-426-6170 ext. 3438, Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and after hours, call 1-877-298-5888.
For updated confirmed case counts, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website:
Mpox (monkeypox) outbreak update – Canada.ca
Refer to the following websites for more information:
Mpox (monkeypox) virus — Ontario Government
FAQs and vaccine guidance for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), storage and handling). – Mpox | Public Health Ontario — includes an epidemiological summary, specimen collection and handling, IPAC for acute care)
For information on testing or to access the investigation tool, visit the Public Health Ontario website: