WELLINGTON COUNTY – Mpox is a viral infection that causes a painful rash.
The rash can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, back, joint and muscle pain.
In rare cases, people can become very sick and die.
People usually develop symptoms seven to 10 days after being exposed to the mpox virus (although it may take up to 21 days for symptoms to develop).
Mpox can spread from person to person through contact with the lesions or scabs that may be found on the skin or mucosal surfaces (such as eyes, mouth, throat, genitalia, anus, or rectum) of a person who is infected.
It can also spread through contact with bodily fluids of a person with mpox (such as semen, saliva or blood).
Anyone planning to travel internationally should review the travel advice and advisories page for their destination(s) first.
They should also refer to the level 2 travel health notice (THN) for mpox for advice on how to reduce their risk of infection.
People planning travel abroad should consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before leaving.
They can offer personalized health advice and recommendations for travellers, including mpox vaccination, if they’re eligible.
Currently, the mpox vaccine is not routinely recommended for travellers without known exposure to mpox, unless they meet the high risk criteria.
When travelling abroad, individuals should take measures to reduce their risk, including avoiding contact with someone who has symptoms of mpox or who may have been exposed to mpox.
If travellers develop symptoms of mpox when travelling or upon return, they should avoid contact with others and consult a health care provider or local public health unit.
If travellers develop mpox symptoms during flight, they should tell a flight attendant before landing or a border services officer as they enter the country.
They will notify a quarantine officer who can assess symptoms.
The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to monitor the global mpox situation and update travel health advice as the situation evolves.
Reducing risk
Getting vaccinated, if eligible, is a key prevention strategy for those at high risk.
People can also lower their risk of getting mpox by avoiding:
– close physical contact with someone who has mpox, including sexual contact;
– sexual contact with someone who may have had a high-risk exposure to mpox. For example, a sexual partner or household member of someone with mpox;
– contact with personal items or objects used by someone with mpox;
You can also lower your risk by:
– having fewer sexual partners;
– using barrier protection during sexual activity, including:
– condoms;
– dental dams;
– gloves;
– clothing;
– practicing regular hand hygiene; and
– cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects in your accommodations, especially after having visitors.
For more information visit canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/mpox/risks.html.
