2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Canada

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Canada
Disease	Mpox
Virus strain	Monkeypox virus
Location	Canada
Index case	May 2022
Confirmed cases	1,400 (as of October 2023)
Deaths	2
Government website
Government of Canada

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Canada is part of the global outbreak of mpox, a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. The outbreak in Canada began in May 2022, with the first cases reported in Quebec. Since then, the virus has spread to multiple provinces, prompting public health responses and vaccination campaigns.

Background

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It is similar to smallpox but generally less severe. The disease is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, but the 2022 outbreak marked a significant spread to non-endemic countries, including Canada.

Timeline

May 2022

The first cases of mpox in Canada were identified in May 2022 in the province of Quebec. Initial cases were linked to international travel and local transmission within certain communities.

June 2022

By June 2022, cases had been reported in several other provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued guidelines for healthcare providers and the public to prevent further spread.

July 2022

In July, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Canada ramped up its vaccination efforts, targeting high-risk populations.

2023

Throughout 2023, the number of new cases gradually declined due to effective public health measures and vaccination campaigns. By October 2023, the outbreak was largely under control, with sporadic cases still being monitored.

Public Health Response

The Canadian government, through the Public Health Agency of Canada, coordinated the national response to the outbreak. This included:

• Surveillance and Contact Tracing: Enhanced surveillance systems were implemented to track the spread of the virus and identify contacts of confirmed cases.
• Vaccination Campaigns: The Imvamune vaccine, originally developed for smallpox, was used to immunize high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and individuals with potential exposure.
• Public Education: Information campaigns were launched to educate the public about mpox symptoms, transmission, and prevention.

Impact

The mpox outbreak in Canada had significant impacts on public health systems and communities. Healthcare resources were strained, and there was increased public concern about the spread of the virus. The outbreak also highlighted the importance of global health security and the need for preparedness against emerging infectious diseases.

Also see

• Mpox
• Monkeypox virus
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak