Toronto Public Health urges eligible residents to get vaccinated against mpox as local cases continue to rise – City of Toronto

Information Launch

August 13, 2024

Toronto continues to report new mpox (previously often called monkeypox) instances, with instances rising in late June and July following main occasions and festivals within the metropolis. As of July 31, a complete of 93 instances has been confirmed in 2024 in comparison with 21 confirmed instances reported for a similar interval final 12 months.

Whereas mpox instances have been reported throughout town, Toronto Public Well being (TPH) recorded the next focus of instances in residents within the downtown core.

In response to this spike in reported instances, TPH is working with group companions to extend consciousness of the danger of getting mpox, enhance entry to vaccination and vaccinate eligible residents.

About mpox

Mpox is a virus that spreads from individual to individual by means of contact with contaminated lesions, pores and skin blisters, physique fluids or respiratory secretions. It will also be transmitted by contact with supplies contaminated with the virus together with clothes or bedding and thru bites or scratches from contaminated animals. At the moment, mpox has unfold largely between individuals who have had shut/intimate or sexual contact with an individual who has the virus – with homosexual, bisexual and different males who’ve intercourse with males being most affected.

Journey just isn’t a major issue amongst present instances which suggests local people transmission of the virus.

Vaccination

Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest ways to forestall additional virus unfold. TPH reminds at-risk residents to get vaccinated in opposition to mpox because the virus continues to unfold in Toronto and different areas internationally. TPH recommends two doses of the vaccine to supply one of the best safety, and that the second dose be taken 28 days after the primary dose. For individuals who have been involved with the virus, mpox post-exposure prophylaxis is obtainable. If a resident has already acquired a smallpox vaccine up to now, they need to nonetheless get vaccinated for mpox as they is probably not protected.

To e book an appointment at a TPH clinic, or contact your native 2SLGBTQ+ well being care service supplier.

For extra data together with eligibility necessities, go to the Metropolis’s mpox webpage.

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