Public health officials have revealed that there has been a spike in mpox infections in Toronto since the beginning of the year and have warned eligible residents to ensure they are vaccinated.
The health unit says there have been 21 confirmed cases of the virus in the city since January, compared to 27 recorded throughout 2023.
It stated further that none of those affected were fully vaccinated and that travel is not a “significant factor” among the current infections. This means that there is local community transmission.
In a press release, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa said: “Amidst increased cases of mpox in Toronto, it’s important to recognize that cases are predominantly non-travel-related, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
“Completing the two-dose vaccination series provides the best protection against mpox and helps reduce serious symptoms.”
Toronto Public Health noted in the release that mpox currently is primarily being spread in Toronto between people that have had close or sexual contact with a person who has the virus. Those affected most include gay and bisexual men as well as men who have sex with other men.
In the release, Devan Nambiar, of Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance, said: “We want to remind cis and trans gay, bi, queer, and all men who have sex with men, to get their first and second dose of the mpox vaccine.
“Mpox has not been entirely eradicated and we want you to take care of yourself and protect your sexual partners.”
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a virus that spreads through contact with infected lesions, skin blisters, body fluids, or respiratory secretions. Also, it can be transmitted through contact with contaminated materials like clothing or bedding and through bites or scratches from animals that are infected.
Symptoms of mpox can start anywhere between five and 21 days after exposure and they include fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes.
Toronto Public Health said that these symptoms are followed by a rash or blisters and lesions on the skin that can be painful, including around the genitals
According to Toronto Public Health, the best way to prevent mpox is via a two-dose vaccine that is administered over a 28-day period, which protect those immunized against transmission as well as helps reduce serious symptoms of the virus. The vaccine becomes most effective after two weeks.
