Mpox

Mpox is a disease caused by the Mpox virus. It spreads through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact.

Case count and current situation

Last updated August 22, 2024

Since May 2022 there have been 231 confirmed Mpox cases in BC: 190 cases in 2022, 20 in 2023 and 21 in 2024 to August 14. Cases have mainly been sporadic since the initial outbreak and there has been a slight increase in 2024, mirroring trends observed in other jurisdictions. Cases have been recorded in all health authorities.

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.

Government of Canada’s response to the World Health Organization’s declaration on Mpox

Similar to the Canadian epidemiology, B.C. has experienced elevated case counts in 2024 compared to 2023, but well below the number of cases in 2022. Vaccination is strongly encouraged for those who are eligible to reduce the risk of getting sick with Mpox.

Vaccination is available and recommended for those at increased risk and closed contacts of a confirmed case.

Those who may have been exposed to Mpox and develop symptoms should seek medical attention.

Local public health will reach out to known contacts of cases who may be at risk of developing Mpox.

While most, but not all, recent global infections are among men who identify as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with other men, the virus can affect anyone through close person-to-person contact. Most cases in the current outbreak have occurred from close, intimate contact during sex. The risk to the general population in B.C. is considered low.

How it spreads

Mpox typically spreads from person to person through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including through:

Direct contact with sores or an affected mucosal area of a person with Mpox
Contact with items like bedding or towels that have been used by someone with Mpox
Respiratory droplets during prolonged close, face-to-face contact with a person who has Mpox, such as kissing

Most people in B.C. with Mpox were exposed during close, intimate contact during sex. It can also be spread through contact with objects and from animals to humans.

Prevention and vaccination

Mpox can be prevented by avoiding close contact with persons with symptoms consistent with Mpox, frequent washing of hands, covering coughs and sneezes and if at risk, get vaccinated.

A vaccine that protects against Mpox and severe symptoms is available for people at higher risk. The vaccine, called IMVAMUNE®, can be given:

Following exposure to the virus (ideally within 4 days)
In advance of an exposure to help your body build immunity.

The vaccine is given as a two-dose series. Doses should be given 28 or more days apart. At this time there is no recommendation for a booster dose following a two-dose series.

People who are eligible can book first or second-dose appointments. It is not available for private purchase.

Vaccination before or after exposure

The vaccine can be used two ways:

Before exposure to mpox virus

The vaccine is given before getting exposed to the virus to help protect against mpox

After exposure to mpox virus, before you have symptoms

The vaccine is given after being exposed to prevent illness or severe outcomes

Eligibility

Two-Spirit and transgender people and cisgender males who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men community; and at least one of the following:

Has sex with more than one partner
Has sex with a partner who has more than one partner
Has casual sex (e.g., cruising)
Engages in sex work as a worker or client

The vaccine cannot be administered to people who have symptoms that could be due to Mpox. Instead, find a location for testing at smartsexresource.com/get-tested/clinic-finder.

The vaccine is not available to individuals of any gender who are not part of the community of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex men, unless they have been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case.

Misidentifying oneself as eligible for mpox vaccine directs this critical tool away from people most at risk, and limits its utility in preventing onward transmission, and from protecting the wider population from a bigger outbreak.

Please contact your local Public Health unit for information about receiving mpox vaccine, or if you are planning to travel to countries with high incidence of mpox.

Appointments

To learn more about vaccinations, eligibility criteria and to book an appointment, refer to your region:

Appointments are added regularly. If there are no available appointments, please check with your public health unit or your healthcare provider.

Mpox vaccine information sheet

Read about the vaccine, benefits of vaccination, possible side effects and reactions, and other considerations: Vaccine information sheet (PDF)

No vaccine is 100% effective. If you have been vaccinated and develop symptoms, follow the information for if you become ill to protect yourself and others.

Symptoms

Mpox can present in different ways. Most people experience symptoms that last 2 to 4 weeks and occur in two stages. Some people experience symptoms differently. For example:

they may not experience first-stage symptoms but will develop sores
some may experience first-stage symptoms after the appearance of sores
some can have a small number of sores on one or a few body parts, sometimes only in the mouth or genital areas
some may have localized symptoms of pain and swelling such as in the throat or rectum

Some people may experience symptoms even if they’ve been vaccinated but symptoms tend to be less severe.

First stage

In the first stage, symptoms can include:

Fever
Chills
Intense headache
Swollen lymph nodes
Back pain
Muscle pain
Fatigue or exhaustion
Other less common symptoms can include sore throat, cough, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea

Second stage

The second stage usually starts 1 to 5 days after the first stage.

In the second stage, a rash (sores/blisters) develops.

Mpox sores/blisters are most commonly seen on the hands, feet, arms, legs, mouth and/or genitals
Mpox sores/blisters usually last between 2 to 3 weeks. The rash changes in appearance over time from raised spots to small blisters filled with fluid. They eventually form a scab and fall off

Images

Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Diseases Network

Credit: United Kingdom‎

If you have been exposed

Public health reaches out to known contacts of people diagnosed with Mpox in B.C. who are at risk. If you have been exposed to Mpox and are at risk of developing an infection:

Monitor for symptoms if you have had contact with a person with known or suspected Mpox
It can take around 5 days to 3 weeks after exposure for a person to develop symptoms
If you think you have been exposed but have not yet been contacted by public health, you can contact your regional health authority’s local public health office. They can advise if you might benefit from vaccination or other measures

Please note: Public health does not use pre-recorded or automated calls to notify individuals of infections or possible exposure to Mpox or other communicable diseases. If you receive one of these scam calls, do not engage and do not provide personal information over the phone.

If you become ill

Contact a health care provider to get tested as soon as possible. Tell your health care provider if you have had contact with a person with known or suspected Mpox. Find a clinic
Until you see a healthcare provider:

Avoid close, intimate contact and sex with others
It is especially important to avoid close contact with people who may be at greater risk of experiencing severe illness including pregnant people, people with a weakened immune system or children
Do not share towels, clothing, sheets or other things that have touched your skin
Cover any sores or blisters as much as possible with clothing or bandages
Wear a mask when you are in close contact with others
If possible, have another member of your household care for your animals/pets so you do not spread Mpox to animals. If you need to care for your animals during your illness, take the same precautions that you use to protect other people
Dispose of masks, bandages, or other contaminated materials in a high-quality garbage bag and keep in an animal-proof receptacle to prevent access by pets or wild animals (particularly rodents)

If Mpox is confirmed, your local public health will contact you by phone. They will be asking questions that will help to better understand what is happening with Mpox in B.C. and all your information is confidential. They will provide information about Mpox that is helpful in keeping you and your family safe. Mpox is usually a mild illness, and most people recover on their own after a few weeks. However, some people may experience moderate or severe disease, and will need to see their health care provider. People experiencing more severe disease may require medications to manage pain or skin infections, or in rare cases, need other supportive treatment in hospital.

Please see your healthcare provider or go to your nearest Urgent Primary Care Centre or Emergency Department if you experience the following after testing positive for Mpox:

Worsening or new throat or rectal pain
Severe fever or chills
Shortness of breath or chest pain
New pox lesions on multiple parts of your body

There are no well-established treatments for Mpox. Antiviral medication may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Community resources

Recommendations for Two-Spirit, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities (2SGBTQ+)

Most of the recent Mpox cases are happening through close contacts between men who identify as having sex with other men.

Stigmatizing people because of a disease is never okay. Anyone can get or pass on Mpox, regardless of their sexuality.

Small version of Mpox recommendations fact sheet The 2SGBTQ+ community can:

Be aware: know the symptoms of a Mpox infection
Watch for symptoms: look for new ulcers or blisters on your body
See a doctor or nurse: seek medical care if you have symptoms. Find a clinic

Open the fact sheet for more information for the 2SGBTQ+ community (PDF).

Indigenous communities

This 3-page handout was developed to support conversations about Mpox among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. It describes:

What is Mpox (monkeypox)
How it spreads
What to do if you test positive

What is Mpox PDF in colour OR What is Mpox PDF in black and white

Guidance for event planning during Pride

This document provides suggestions for event organizers, business owners, community organizations and leaders to help prevent spread as people gather to celebrate during the Pride festival season. It includes information about:

Educating staff
Promoting health information to attendees
Cleaning and hand hygiene

Learn more: Mpox Guidance for Events during Pride Festival Season (PDF)

Travel and Mpox awareness

Be aware of the Mpox situation in the places you plan to visit and check for any travel advisories. Some places may have higher risks of getting exposed to the Mpox virus. Take the same precautions you would use at home. Some people have been exposed or contracted Mpox from close contact during sexual activity while travelling, during your trip it is recommended to follow prevention measures and monitor for symptoms when returning home.

Domestic travel

The Public Health Agency of Canada has information about the Mpox outbreak in provinces and territories in Canada.

International travel

The Government of Canada provides advice to travellers about Mpox

2022 B.C. outbreak summary

The 2022 Mpox outbreak was declared over in B.C. on January 9, 2023, and the B.C Mpox Epidemiological Summary reports that were previously released in response to the outbreak have been discontinued. Ongoing monitoring of Mpox cases and trends will continue as part of routine provincial surveillance.

B.C. Mpox epidemiological summary

Epidemiological data are summarized to provide an understanding of the population(s) affected by Mpox transmission and potential exposures to support the response.

For information on the situation in Canada, refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Translated content

Provincial Health Services Authority