Mpox (Monkeypox)
On November 28, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) began using a new preferred term “mpox” as a synonym for monkeypox. Both names will be used simultaneously for one year while "monkeypox" is phased out.
Mpox is a rare infectious disease caused by the mpox virus. It is typically found in parts of Central and West Africa, but cases of mpox have recently been found in many countries around the world, including Canada.
The risk of infection is low for the general population.
For updates on confirmed and probable cases in Ontario, visit Public Health Ontario. For updates on the number of cases of mpox in Canada, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada.
York Region Public Health offers mpox vaccine clinics for people who may be at higher risk of infection. Information on mpox vaccines and eligibility requirements are listed below on this page.
Remember to get your second dose. Imvamune® is a two-dose vaccine. For full protection, everyone should get two doses 28 days apart.
How mpox can spread
Mpox is a disease spread through a virus. Generally speaking, mpox does not spread easily between people. When it does, it spreads through close contact with an infected person, such as between people you live with or during intimate contact.
This happens through contact with body fluids, such as fluids from the mpox sores. More rarely, it can be passed on through contaminated clothing or bedding or through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact. It can also be spread through bites or scratches from infected animals.
The data we have from the current mpox outbreak suggests most cases have occurred among people who self-identify as gay, bisexual and other men who report sexual or intimate contact with other men (gbMSM), but anyone can get mpox through close contact with a person who is infected.
Mpox is considered most infectious from the start of the first sores until scabs have fallen off and new skin is present. Some cases may be infectious during their early symptoms (prodrome) such as fever, muscle and body aches, headache before the rash develops.
The incubation period, which is the time from when you’re exposed to the virus until symptoms develop, is typically six to 13 days but can range from five days to 21 days.
Signs and symptoms
Common symptoms of mpox infection can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Exhaustion
- Swollen lymph nodes
- New rash or sores (typically appear a few days after other symptoms, beginning on face, around genital areas and/or extremities)
These symptoms are common among many diseases – having these symptoms does not always mean you have mpox.
Mpox infection is usually mild and goes away on its own, with most people recovering in two to four weeks; however, more serious illness can happen in some individuals.
If you think you have mpox, you should isolate yourself and see a health care provider. To make a diagnosis of mpox, your health care provider will consider your symptoms, complete a lab test (e.g., a swab of your rash or throat, or a blood test) and ask about other risk factors like exposure to someone with mpox.
Public Health will identify and directly notify contacts of mpox cases. People who have been in contact with a person infected with mpox should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days.
How to prevent mpox infection
The most important way to prevent or lower your risk of mpox is to avoid close contact with people who are visibly sick, have a rash, or who have been exposed to mpox.
Avoid direct contact with any materials, such as bedding or laundry, that have been in contact with someone who has the virus.
Like other diseases that may spread through close contact, people can help lower their risk by practicing good hand and respiratory hygiene.
Standard household cleaning/disinfectants can be used to kill the virus.
Post-exposure vaccination and treatment
Most people with mpox do not need treatment and symptoms get better on their own. There is a medication that doctors can order directly from the Ministry of Health that can be used to treat mpox in some people that are very sick from mpox.
In some circumstances, vaccination may be given to those at high risk of mpox infection after being in close contact with another person with mpox but before they get sick. This will be determined by Public Health in partnership with your health care provider. These individuals will be contacted directly by public health to receive a vaccination.
Vaccination to prevent mpox infection (pre-exposure vaccination)
York Region Public Health offers mpox vaccine clinics for people who may generally be at higher risk of infection. Imvamune® vaccine will be provided at no cost to people that meet the following eligibility:
- Two-spirited, non-binary, transgender, cisgender, intersex or gender-queer individuals who self-identify or have sexual partners who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual, pansexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community AND at least one of the following:
- Had a confirmed sexually transmitted infection within the last year
- Have or are planning to have two or more sexual partners or are in a relationship where at least one of the partners may have other sexual partners
- Have attended venues for sexual contact recently, or may be planning to, or who work/volunteer in these settings (examples of these settings include bath houses or sex clubs)
- Have had anonymous sex (e.g., using hookup apps) recently or may be planning to
- Are a sexual contact of an individual who engages in sex work
- Individuals who self-identify as engaging in sex work or are planning to, regardless of self-identified sex or gender
Household and/or sexual contacts of those identified for pre-exposure vaccination eligibility in parts (a) and (b) above AND who are moderately to severely immunocompromised or pregnant may be at higher risk for severe illness from a mpox infection. Please speak to your health care provider about pre-exposure vaccination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the vaccine if I have symptoms?
No. The Imvamune® vaccine is not a form of treatment and should not be given if you have any signs or symptoms of infection.
A health care provider can order appropriate medication directly from the Ministry of Health to treat someone with mpox.
Can I get the vaccine if I have been infected with mpox during this global outbreak?
No. Anyone who has been a confirmed mpox case recently does not need to get vaccinated.
Can I get a second dose?
Yes. Anyone that is eligible for a first dose should get a second dose with at least 28 days between the first and second doses.
Am I able to get vaccinated if I had the smallpox vaccine before?
If you have previously received a dose of an older generation smallpox vaccine, you may be re-vaccinated with one dose of Imvamune® if you meet the eligibility criteria outlined above.
If you have had a two-dose series of Imvamune® more than two years ago, then you should receive a single booster dose of Imvamune® if you are still at risk. Anyone that has received a two-dose series of Imvamune® within the last two years, does not need any further doses.
Do I require a medical note from a health care provider to get vaccinated?
Please speak to your health care provider and bring a medical note (or for the last group, proof of prescription) to the vaccine clinic if you are:
- Severely immunocompromised
- Pregnant
- Under the age of 18
- Immunocompromised and have a household or sexual partner that is in one of the eligible groups for pre-exposure vaccination – you can receive the vaccine with proof of your condition or medication (bring either a note from your health care provider, a copy of your prescription or your medication bottle)
Can you get Imvamune® vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
If you can time your vaccines, it is recommended to wait at least 4 weeks for live vaccines (or COVID-19 vaccines) or 2 weeks for inactive vaccines (e.g., flu vaccines) before or after getting Imvamune®. However, if you have recently received another vaccine, getting Imvamune® as pre- or post-exposure vaccination should not be delayed. Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions.
Am I eligible to get vaccinated as I plan to travel soon?
Imvamune® vaccine is not a routine travel immunization. You may get vaccinated if you meet one of the eligibility requirements outlined above.
Mpox vaccine clinics
Each appointment is provided one-to-one in a private room.
Appointments for mpox vaccination are available by visiting a York Region Public Health Sexual Health Clinic. To book a private appointment, please call 1-800-361-5653 and a Public Health Nurse will assist you over the phone. For general information about the York Region sexual health clinics, and clinic locations please visit Sexual Health Clinics.
Vaccination is not currently recommended or needed if you do not meet the above criteria to get the vaccine.
For information on the mpox vaccine, see the mpox Vaccine Fact Sheet: IMVAMUNE®.
For more information
Speak with your primary care provider if you have any concerns about mpox. For general inquiries, you can contact Access York at 1-877-464-9675.
You may also speak with a health care provider at Scarborough Health Network to answer any questions about mpox.
Mpox Information for Health Professionals
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Mpox: information
- Public Health Agency of Canada – Mpox: outbreak update
- Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance – MPox: what we know