Mpox can spread from animals to humans, from person to person and through contact with objects used by someone with mpox.

Mpox spreads through close, personal, and often skin-to-skin contact, including:

• Direct contact with sores or blisters of a person with mpox
• Contact with items like bedding or towels that someone with mpox has used
• Respiratory droplets during prolonged close, face-to-face contact with a person who has mpox

Most cases in 2022 were passed during close, intimate contact during sex. 

Symptoms can last 2 to 4 weeks and occur in two stages.

First stage

In the first stage, symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Intense headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Back pain
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Less common symptoms can include sore throat, cough, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea

Second stage

The second stage usually starts 1 to 5 days after stage one. During this stage, you may develop a rash on your body. This rash can appear on any body part, including your hands and feet, legs and arms, face or genitals.

Mpox sores usually last between 2 to 3 weeks. The sores change in appearance over time from raised spots to small blisters filled with fluid. They eventually form a scab and fall off.

If you have had contact with a person with known or suspected mpox, please monitor for symptoms. Symptoms can develop within 5 days to 3 weeks after exposure.

Public health is reaching out to known contacts of cases at risk of developing the infection. Contact your regional health authority's local public health office if you think you've been exposed but have not yet heard from public health.

Public health does not use pre-recorded or automated calls to notify individuals of infections or possible exposure to mpox or other communicable diseases.

If you become ill and have had contact with a person with known or suspected mpox:

• Contact your health care provider to get tested as soon as possible. Let them know if you have had contact with someone who has known or suspected mpox
• Find a clinic at SmartSexResource.com

While waiting to see your health care provider, please:

• Avoid close, intimate contact and sex with others
• Do not share towels, clothing, sheets or other things that have touched your skin
• Cover sores or blisters as much as possible with clothing or bandages
• Wear a mask when you are in close contact with others
• Ask members of your household, family, or friends to look after pets so you do not spread mpox to animals
• Dispose masks, bandages, or other contaminated materials in a high-quality garbage bag. Keep the bag in an animal-proof container so pets or wild animals (particularly, rodents) can't get into it

It is especially important to avoid close contact with people who may be at greater risk of experiencing severe illness, including pregnant people, people with a weakened immune system or children.

If you have mpox, public health will contact you to give more instructions.

See your healthcare provider or go to your nearest Urgent Primary Care Centre or Emergency Department if you experience the following:

• Worsening or new throat or rectal pain
• Severe fever or chills
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• New pox blisters on multiple parts of your body

Mpox is usually a mild illness, and most people recover on their own after a few weeks. People experiencing severe disease may need medications to manage pain or skin infections. In rare cases, some people may need treatment in hospital.

Imvamune® is the vaccine used in Canada to protect against mpox. It helps your body build immunity without getting very sick.

The vaccine can be used two ways:

Before exposure to mpox

The vaccine is given before you are exposed to the virus. This helps protect you and reduce your risk of getting mpox. This is called Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.

After exposure to mpox, before you have symptoms

The vaccine is given after being exposed to the virus. This prevents illness or severe outcomes. This is called Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.

For more information about who is eligible to get a vaccine and how to book an appointment, please visit:

• Fraser Health
• Vancouver Coastal Health
• Island Health
• Interior Health
• Northern Health

First Nations people in BC without a primary care provider can call the FNHA Virtual Doctor of the Day at 1-855-344-3800 to book a virtual appointment to discuss with a doctor.

No vaccine is 100% effective. If you have been vaccinated and develop symptoms, follow the steps under "If you become ill" to protect yourself and others.