Vaccination is available and recommended for those at increased risk of mpox
The World Health Organization declared on Aug. 14 that mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The virus has seen most of its rising cases in countries in Africa, however international travel has led to its spread on other continents, including North America.
Mpox is a relatively rare disease for Canadians and typically spreads from person to person through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact. Most people in British Columbia who have been exposed to or become infected with mpox were known to have had close, intimate sexual contact.
The disease can be prevented by avoiding close contact with persons showing symptoms consistent with mpox and by following similar public health safety measures for other communicable diseases, such as washing of hands and covering coughs and sneezes. There is also a vaccine available for people who are at higher risk of infection, usually given as two doses, 28 days apart.
For more information about mpox, refer to FNHA's frequently asked questions document: https://www.fnha.ca/Documents/FNHA-Mpox-FAQs.pdf
Related
BC Centre for Disease Control mpox page: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/mpox
HealthLinkBC mpox page: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/illnesses-conditions/infectious-diseases/mpox
Health Initiative for Men mpox: https://checkhimout.ca/mpox/
