Mpox cases on the rise again, OPH warns

Mpox cases in Ontario are on the rise, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is warning local doctors and nurses.

The province has reported 26 casesso far in 2024, with OPH noting in its Wednesday statement that four had been confirmed in Ottawa.

Formerly known as monkeypox, mpox is a rare viral disease that istypically endemic in some central and west African countries.

But in May 2022, the disease burst onto the global landscape, with casesidentified in Canada and other countries where it's notusually found. The first case in Ottawa was announced the following month.

Mpox can be transmitted through sexual contact as well asthrough cuts, respiratory tracts, andmucous membranes in places like the eyes or mouth. Men who have sex with men are at highest risk, though other groups can be affected as well.

Common symptoms include a painful rash, fever and swollen lymph nodes, though symptoms can be more severe.

OPH said most cases occur in individuals who have not been vaccinated for mpox or have received only one dose.

The province recommends anyone eligible to be vaccinatedreceive a two-dose series. So far, only 34.5 per cent of Ontarians who got their first dose have received their second.

People can book vaccine appointments at theOPH Sexual Health Clinicby phone at (613) 234-4641. The province has asked anyone who suspects they may have mpoxto self-isolate and contact a health-care provider.