Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a virus that spreads through close skin contact. It is related to the virus smallpox. Since it spreads through close skin contact, it is likely to spread through sexual contact if one partner has an active infection.
There are two types of mpox, Clade I and Clade II; Clade II is the type that most recently had an outbreak, and over 99.9% of folks who get it survive – although it can lead to serious illness. Common symptoms of mpox include:
- Fever and related symptoms
- Exhaustion
- Muscle pain and/or headache
- The appearance of a rash.
Note: the CDC website has some great photos of what this rash can look like
As of fall 2024 there has been another surge in mpox in Canada, at risk populations are recommended to get the vaccine if they have not already had 2 doses. If they have had a past dose the vaccine is still effective. That being said, it is good to know what symptoms to look out for. If you notice any of these symptoms on yourself or a partner refrain from close contact and get them checked out by a doctor.
You can learn more about the mpox vaccine in this section.
You can learn more about where HEAL NS got this information from at:
https://novascotia.ca/mpox/#:~:text=Vaccination,least%2028%20days%20between%20doses
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/symptoms/index.html
https://novascotia.ca/mpox/
https://novascotia.ca/dhw/cdpc/cdc/documents/mpox.pdf
*disclaimer: we do not necessarily endorse all of the information, content, or language used in these references.