Written by Samara Reyes with contributions by Dr. Julian Marsden and the ECBC Clinical Resources team.

Mpox (monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is endemic in the Congo Basin and West Africa. On August 14th, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, prompted by the spread of a more virulent subtype, Clade I, of the virus across Africa. The previous outbreak (2022) was declared due to the spread of the Clade IIb strain.

Similar to broader Canadian epidemiology, B.C. is experiencing slightly increased case counts in 2024 compared to 2023, but still well below the number of cases during the 2022 outbreak (as of August 2024). Read the Government of Canada’s response to the WHOs declaration on mpox.

Mpox spreads through direct contact with infectious lesions, body fluids and respiratory droplets. The incubation period of mpox ranges from 5-21 days, followed by an initial flu-like phase (fever, chills, headache, lymphadenopathy and myalgias) lasting 1-5 days. This prodromal phase is followed by the development of a characteristic rash that evolves over 1-3 days, initially affecting the face and spreading to other parts of the body including the palms and soles. The lesions evolve from macules, to papules, to vesicles, to pustules which break and crust over.

Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised, are at a greater risk of complications. While a high proportion of cases identified in 2022 were among men who have sex with men (MSM), the virus can affect everyone.

Vaccination is available and is recommended for those at increased risk, such as close contacts of confirmed cases or individuals in high-risk groups.

This toolkit provides essential information and resources to support emergency health care practitioners in managing mpox cases effectively during this ongoing global health emergency.

Resources for Clinicians

• ECBC: Point of Care Clinical Summaries
  • Mpox for the Emergency Clinician
• Other resources:
  • Health Canada: Mpox outbreak updates
  • WHO: Mpox fact sheet
  • BC CDC: Case count and current situation
  • Health Canada: Mpox information for health professionals
  • BC CDC: Mpox testing guidelines

Resources for Patients & Families

• BC Centre for Disease Control: Mpox vaccine information sheet
• Health Canada: Advice for travellers
• Health Authorities: Vaccination booking information
  • Vancouver Coastal Health
  • Fraser Health
  • Interior Health
  • Island Health
  • Northern Health