Monkeypox

• VCH is alerting the public about reports of scam automated calls about monkeypox test results or exposures.
• After an individual has a positive test for a communicable disease, such as monkeypox, public health contacts individuals for follow up and/or to identify people who may have been exposed to the communicable disease. This is known as case and contact tracing.
• The majority of case and contact tracing in B.C. is done by public health staff in the regional health authorities and not the Ministry of Health. Public health does not use automated messages to notify individuals of infections or possible exposures (i.e. case and contact tracing). You will never be asked to provide financial information during case and contact tracing.
• Please be alert for cybercriminals sending fake phishing emails, texts and robocalls to steal your personal and financial details. Learn more about scams and fraud from the RCMP.

Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is endemic in parts of west and central Africa, where transmission has primarily been from infected animals to humans, with very limited human-to-human transmission. Since mid-May, one of the African strains has spread to more than 70 countries where monkeypox is not endemic, including in Canada. The pattern of spread in this global outbreak has been different: it is primarily human-to-human, sexually associated transmission.

In this global outbreak of monkeypox, the primary mode of transmission is via close, skin-to-skin contact with a monkeypox rash.

In this global outbreak of monkeypox the primary mode of transmission is via close, skin-to-skin contact with a monkeypox rash.

Although the number of monkeypox cases in B.C. remains low, some transmission within the province has been identified. Learn more about current situation updates for Canada and British Columbia, including case counts.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 98 per cent of the cases in this global outbreak identified to date are among men who have sex with men. While other people — including those living in the same household or those who have close skin-to-skin contact with a person who has monkeypox — may be at risk of infection, transmission from this type of contact has been infrequent to date.

Stigmatizing people because of a disease is never okay.

To reduce local transmission, prevent severe illness, and limit risk to the public, VCH Public Health has launched a targeted vaccine campaign, working with the BCCDC and community partners like Health Initiative for Men (HiM) and others, to provide information and vaccine to people most at risk of infection.

Vaccine is not recommended or available for the general public

The monkeypox virus does not spread easily from person to person the way some viruses do, such as the virus that causes COVID-19. In this global outbreak of monkeypox the primary mode of transmission is via close, sexually-associated skin-to-skin contact.

Symptoms for monkeypox usually appear one to two weeks after exposure but can take anywhere from five to 21 days to appear and can last up to two to four weeks.

• The infection may start with flu-like symptoms including:
  • Fever or chills
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Intense headaches
  • Muscle aches
  • Back pain
  • Fatigue
• One to five days later, a skin rash appears, with lesions that can appear on genitals, hands, feet and/or mouth. The rash may start in one place and spread to other parts of the body.
• Some people only get the rash, and in some people it may be limited to one or more lesions in the genital area.

People are considered to be infectious from when symptoms first appear until the sores crust over, are dry, and new skin is visible. 

People experiencing symptoms of monkeypox can be assessed to see if they need testing via their primary care provider, at Sexual Health clinics, at an Urgent and Primary Care Centre, or at an Emergency Department. If possible, the clinic should be informed ahead of time about the reason for the visit. 

Sexual Health clinics can be found using the BCCDC SmartSexResource clinic finder.

Until they see a health-care provider, while awaiting results, and if they are confirmed positive, these prevention measures should be followed when around other people:

• Wear a mask
• Keep any sores or blisters covered as much as possible (e.g. long sleeves, long pants)
• Limit close contact, including with people you live with and sexual contact with others
• Practice good hand hygiene
• Try to avoid sharing items or spaces while infectious, but if you need to, wipe down items and surfaces after using them.
• Do not share towels, clothing, or linens 

If you have been in close contact with a person with a monkeypox infection, monitor for symptoms. Symptoms can start five to 21 days after exposure.

Monkeypox is usually a mild illness and most people recover on their own after a few weeks.  However, some people may experience moderate or severe disease, and will need to see their healthcare provider.  People experiencing more severe disease may require medications to manage pain or skin infections, or in rare cases, need other supportive treatment in hospital.

Please see your healthcare provider or go to your nearest Urgent Primary Care Centre or Emergency Department if you experience the following after testing positive for monkeypox:

• Worsening or new throat or rectal pain
• Severe fever or chills
• Shortness of breath or chest pain

Imvamune, the vaccine being used for the prevention of monkeypox is approved as a TWO-DOSE series by Health Canada. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends a complete vaccine series of two doses for stronger and longer-lasting protection against monkeypox infection. 

Early use of vaccine among groups who are at the highest risk of spread, along with case and contact tracing efforts by Public Health, can reduce transmission, prevent severe illness, and limit risk to the wider population. Vaccine is not recommended or available for the general public. 

People who received a first dose at least 28 days ago can now book an appointment for a second dose

Learn more about who is eligible to get a vaccine and how to book an appointment