HealthLinkBC has updated its mpox webpage. It features information on the following:
- How it spreads
- Symptoms
- What to do if you are exposed to mpox
- What to do if you become ill
- What to do if you test positive for mpox
- Treatment options
- Vaccinations
- Other useful resources
On August 14, the World Health Organization declared an mpox outbreak in Africa to be a public health emergency of international concern.
There are two types of the virus – clade 1 and clade 2. Clade 1 causes more severe illness and is endemic to some countries in Africa. Clade 2 is the type that has been circulating globally, including in B.C., since the 2022 outbreak. Infections from clade 2 tend to be less severe.
All cases detected to date in B.C. are clade 2b. In contrast, the mpox outbreak in countries in central and eastern Africa are generally clade 1b.
Since July 2021 there have been nine confirmed cases of mpox in the Island Health region. There have been no new cases in Island Health since November 2023.
For more information on mpox vaccine eligibility, where to obtain a vaccine in the Island Health region and more, please visit our mpox page.