Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare viral disease. It can cause fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes and tiredness. About 1 to 3 days after these symptoms a rash can develop.
It is usually spread by very close contact with someone who has mpox. Most people recover from mpox on their own within 2 to 4 weeks. However, some people can get seriously sick.
Anyone can get mpox. The risk of infection in Hamilton is very low for the general population. Mpox typically does not spread easily between individuals. When spread does occur it is most often through contact with body fluids from an infected person. Most transmission of mpox in Canada has occurred between close contacts like intimate partners or household members.
- Mpox prevention, testing and vaccination information (City of Hamilton, Public Health)
- Mpox Resources (Ontario Health)