Low Risk of Mpox Infection for Canadians, Health Canada Says

Health Canada says the risk to Canadians from the latest version of monkeypox or mpox remains low, even after the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global emergency.
“Although the risk to people in Canada from clade I mpox remains low at this time, the Government of Canada is closely monitoring the mpox situation in the DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo] and neighbouring countries, while working with domestic and international partners to determine opportunities for support,” the release said.
They also note that clade II mpox is “less severe” than clade I.
Cases of clade IIb are still being reported in Canada, with a total of 164 cases as of Aug. 12, Health Canada says, including 162 confirmed and two probable cases.
“Cases continue to be reported predominantly among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men,” Health Canada says.
“Most cases have been domestically acquired, suggesting ongoing localized transmission. Severity of cases in Canada remains low, with rare hospitalizations and no deaths reported to date.”
A person who has symptoms is considered infectious until the lesion scabs have fallen off.
There is also a vaccine available for those 18 years or older “who are at high risk for exposure,” says Health Canada.