Mpox

Mpox (formerly called monkeypox) is a virus that causes painful rashes and blisters on the skin. It has been in Ontario since 2022. Most cases have occurred among gay, bi, and queer men who have close personal or sexual contact with someone carrying the virus, sometimes while they are travelling. While the peak of transmission has passed, cases are still being reported from time to time in the province.

How Do You Get Mpox?

• Close or sexual contact with someone who has sores or blisters
  
• Skin-to-skin contact during intimate moments
  
• Sharing things like towels, linens, or sex toys that have the virus on them
  

Most cases in Ontario are in gay, bi, and queer men who have sex with men.

Symptoms of Mpox

Symptoms begin 5 to 21 days after you catch the virus. Look out for:

• Fever, chills, headache, or back pain
  
• Swollen lymph nodes (bumps in your neck, armpits, or groin)
  
• Rash that turns into blisters and then crusts over
  
• Blisters can appear on your face, palms, soles, genitals, anus, or inside your mouth
  
• Sore throat, runny nose, or cough
  
• Diarrhea, nausea, or painful peeing
  

The rash may show up one to three days before or after you feel sick.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Get vaccinated if you haven’t yet
   
2. Avoid close contact with anyone who has a rash or sores
   
3. Don’t share towels, linens, or sex toys without cleaning them first
   
4. Wash your hands often with soap and water
   

Mpox Vaccine Info

The vaccine used in Ontario is called Imvamune. It is:

• 85 percent effective at preventing Mpox (and it prevents smallpox too!)
  
• Given in two doses, 28 days apart
  
• Free and does not require OHIP
  
• Safe for adults 18 and older
  

If you get both doses of the vaccine, you will have much milder symptoms if you do have a breakthrough infection, so it’s still worth it! Ask for your first dose as soon as you can and your second dose in 28 days.

What to Do After Exposure

• You can still get the first vaccine dose within 14 days of exposure
  
• Contact your healthcare provider right away
  
• Follow any advice on self-monitoring, isolation, or care
  

Mpox and People Living with HIV

• People living with HIV should get both vaccine doses and talk to their healthcare provider
  
• Avoid skin-to-skin or close contact with anyone who has Mpox symptoms or a rash
  
• Wash hands often after touching items that might be contaminated
  

Staying informed and getting vaccinated are the best ways to protect yourself and your partners. If you have questions or need support, reach out to your local sexual health clinic today.