First Case of Clade I Mpox Confirmed in Canada
On November 22, 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirmed the first case of clade I mpox in Canada. The case was identified in an individual in Manitoba who had recently traveled to an area in central and eastern Africa experiencing an outbreak of clade I mpox. The individual is currently isolating after seeking medical care for symptoms associated with mpox.
The National Microbiology Laboratory confirmed the positive test for mpox clade Ib. This marks the first instance of clade I mpox in Canada, although clade II mpox has been present since 2022. The risk to the general population remains low, according to PHAC, which continues to monitor the situation closely.
Mpox is a viral infection characterized by a painful rash and other symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle pain. It is contagious and poses a higher risk to children, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. Vaccination is not recommended for the general public at this time, but is advised for those at high risk of exposure.
PHAC advises people to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms of mpox and to follow guidelines when traveling to affected regions. Public health authorities in Manitoba are conducting a contact tracing investigation to prevent further spread of the virus.