Monkeypox not yet a concern in Durham as cases spike in Toronto

The World Health Organization has declared mpox a public health emergency of “international concern” and Toronto is reporting a sharp uptick in cases this summer, but the virus (formerly known as monkeypox) has had little impact so far in Durham Region.

Just three cases have been reported in 2024, and a statement from the Region of Durham’s Health Department there is no “significance regarding the timing” of when (or where) the cases were reported.

Toronto Public Health is reporting a rise in mpox cases following major events in the city in June and July. Ninety-three cases have been reported in Toronto this year, up from 21 in the same period in 2023.

The clade 1b variant is causing the most concern because it spreads more than easily than the less severe clade 2 variety, which has been a global worry since 2022.

Mpox transmits through close physical contact, including sexual contact, but unlike previous global pandemics such as COVID-19 there is no evidence it spreads easily through the air.

Mpox is typically mild and self-limiting, with most people recovering within two to four weeks. However, severe illness can occur in some individuals. The virus enters the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or through the eyes, nose or mouth. Spread can occur through close contact and exchange of bodily fluids, particularly through sexual contact.

People with mpox commonly report symptoms of rash, oral/genital lesions, headache, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and muscle aches.

A two-dose vaccine – Imvamune – is available for at-risk populations.

Residents who meet the eligibility criteria and who are travelling in the near future are encouraged to get vaccinated before leaving; the vaccine becomes most effective after two weeks.

The risk of infection in Durham Region is low for the general population and vaccination is not recommended or needed if you do not meet the eligibility criteria. For more information about mpox visit durham.ca/mpox.