A health worker prepares a syringe filled with the mpox vaccine in Montreal. Toronto Public Health is encouraging eligible Torontonians to get the mpox vaccine as cases rise in the city this year. (Christinne Muschi/Reuters – image credit)
Toronto Public Health (TPH) is advising people to get vaccinated against mpox due to an increase in confirmed cases of the virus in the city this year.
TPH announced in a news release Wednesday that 21 cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) have been reported in Toronto this year.
This is a notable increase from 2023, when 27 cases were reported for the entire year, according to a news release.
According to TPH, MPOX is a virus that spreads from person to person through contact with infected lesions, skin blisters, body fluids, and respiratory secretions.
TPH says the virus “spreads primarily among people who have had close, intimate, or sexual contact with people infected with the virus, with gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men being the most affected.” I am receiving it,” he said.
According to TPH, none of the city's current cases have been fully vaccinated.
It is recommended that eligible unvaccinated individuals receive their first vaccination as soon as possible, with a second dose prescribed 28 days later, according to a news release.
According to TPH, the vaccine is free and no OHIP card is required. We encourage you to ask about vaccine availability when accessing sexual health care.
Complete eligibility requirements for the vaccine can be found on the City of Toronto's website.
Symptoms of MPOX begin five to 21 days after exposure and include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, according to a news release.
“These symptoms can be followed by a rash, blisters, or lesions on the skin, including around the genitals, which can be painful,” TPH said.
