Eligible residents of Toronto are being reportedly encouraged by Toronto Public Health (TPH) to get vaccinated against mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), amid the rise of local cases.
It was confirmed that 21 cases of the virus in Toronto since the start of the year hiked to 27 confirmed cases reported in all of 2023.
The virus Mpox spreads from person to person through contact with infected lesions, skin blisters, body fluids or respiratory secretions, and by contact with materials contaminated with the virus including clothing or bedding and through bites or scratches from infected animals.
Spreading of mpox currently has been mostly between people who have had close/intimate or sexual contact with a person who has the virus, with gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men being most affected.
Not been entirely eradicated, Devan Nambiar, from Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance reportedly reminds 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 to protect themselves as well as their sexual partners.
Travel is not considered as a significant factor among current cases suggesting local community transmission of the virus.
The importance of starting or completing the two-dose vaccine series for the best protection is being emphasized since none of the current cases were full vaccinated.
Advising the importance of vaccination, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health reportedly encourages completion of two-dose vaccination series with a gap of 28 days, which provides the best protection against mpox as well as helps reduce serious symptoms.
Symptoms for mpox for infected people can start five to 21 days after exposure and include Fever, Headache, Muscle aches, Exhaustion, and Swollen lymph nodes followed by a rash or blisters and lesions on the skin that can be painful including around the genitals.
As the vaccine becomes most effective after two weeks, individuals planning to travel soon are encouraged to get vaccinated before leaving due to cases being reported in various regions around the world.
The vaccine is free of charge and an OHIP card is not required.
Inquiry about vaccine availability by eligible residents can be done where they access sexual health care.
Individuals vaccinated for smallpox in the past being unprotected against mpox should get vaccinated against mpox as soon as possible for the best protection.
Visit the City’s mpox webpage for more information including eligibility requirements.
