Toronto seeing recent surge in mpox cases: TPH

Toronto is seeing a spike in mpox cases as the city’s public health unit advised eligible residents to consider getting vaccinated.

Toronto Public Health (TPH) reported an increase in mpox cases from June to July, stemming from what the public health unit called major events and festivals in the city.

In a news release, TPH said that as of July 31, a total of 93 cases have been confirmed in 2024 compared to 21 confirmed cases reported for the same period last year.

“While mpox cases have been reported across the city, TPH recorded a higher concentration of cases in residents in the downtown core,” read the release.

“In response to this spike in reported cases, TPH is working with community partners to increase awareness of the risk of getting mpox, improve access to vaccination and vaccinate eligible residents.”

The International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on mpox is expected to gather on Wednesday to determine whether Africa’s mpox outbreak constitutes a global public health emergency. 

Earlier in the month, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that mpox had been detected in 10 African countries this year, including Congo, which has more than 96 per cent of all cases and deaths. 

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the mpox virus. It belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox but is generally less severe.

Symptoms often include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and fatigue. The rash typically starts on the face and then spreads to other body parts, often progressing through various stages before scabbing over.

TPH says two vaccine doses are recommended

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global emergency after it spread to more than 70 countries. Before that outbreak, the disease was mainly seen in sporadic epidemics in central and West Africa when people came into contact with infected animals.

TPH said mpox had primarily spread between people who have had close/intimate or sexual contact with a person who has the virus – with gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men being most affected.

Travel is not a significant factor among current cases, TPH noted.

The public health unit reminds at-risk residents to vaccinate against mpox as the virus spreads in Toronto and other international areas. Two doses of the vaccine offer the best protection, TPH said, adding that the second dose be taken 28 days after the first.

“ If a resident has already received a smallpox vaccine in the past, they should still get vaccinated for mpox as they may not be protected,” read the news release.

Mpox can vary in severity, and while many cases are mild, some can be more severe, particularly in those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

You can book an appointment through the TPH booking system here.

With files from The Associated Press