Toronto Public Health reports that 21 cases of mpox have been confirmed in the city since the beginning of this year, compared to a total of 27 cases in 2023.
The health unit suggests that eligible residents should get vaccinated against the virus previously called monkeypox due to the increase in cases.
The health unit explains that travel is not a significant factor in the current cases, indicating local transmission, and none of the affected individuals were fully vaccinated.
The health unit notes that the virus has recently spread mainly between individuals who have had close or sexual contact, with men who have sex with men being the most affected.
The virus is transmitted through contact with infected lesions, skin blisters, body fluids, or respiratory secretions.
Symptoms can appear five to 21 days after exposure and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash or blisters and lesions on the skin.
People who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and have had a confirmed sexually transmitted infection, have or are planning to have multiple sexual partners, or have visited venues for sexual activity such as sex clubs are eligible to receive the mpox vaccine.
