More dangerous mpox variant not among 4 confirmed Mississauga and Brampton cases

There have been multiple confirmed cases of mpox in Mississauga and Brampton this year, but not of the new offshoot variant that led to a worldwide emergency alert earlier this week.

Peel Public Health has confirmed four cases of mpox clade II, formerly known as monkeypox, since Jan. 1, INsauga.com has learned.

On Wednesday the World Health Organization declared mpox a “public health emergency of international concern” related to the clade 1b variant that’s spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to other African countries.

And while PPH says no cases of clade 1b have been confirmed in Mississauga or Brampton, the region is urging at-risk residents to get vaccinated against mpox as experts say it’s critical for Canada to respond.

Mpox is a viral infection that can cause flu-like symptoms and a painful rash, including around the face and mouth, arms and legs, hands and feet, anus, rectum and genitals. Most people recover without treatment after a few weeks but “in rare cases,” the virus can lead to death, Health Canada says.

The rash usually lasts between two to four weeks and changes through different stages, forming scabs that fall off and can also include symptoms of fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, or back, joint, and muscle pain.

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The virus spreads from person-to-person including through sexual contact, from animals to humans, and through direct contact with contaminated objects, Health Canada says.

Eligible residents can get the Imvamune vaccine to help protect against the virus, and Peel Public Health recommends anyone at risk of contracting mpox to get vaccinated.

Anyone who has been in close contact with someone with mpox is eligible for post-exposure vaccination. Pre-exposure vaccinations are available for LGBTQ, Two-spirit, non-binary, cisgender, intersex, or gender-queer individuals have had at least one of the following:

• A confirmed sexually transmitted infection in the past year.
• Have or are planning to have two or more sexual partners.
• Are in a relationship where at least one of the partners may have other sexual partners.
• Attended a bath house, sex club or similar place for sexual contact recently or may be planning to.
• Had anonymous sex (like through hookup apps) recently, or may be planning to.
• Are a sexual contact of an individual who engages in sex work.

Vaccinations are available at Peel Public Health’s Healthy Sexuality Clinics which can be reached at 905-799-7700 to book an appointment.

can receive Imvamune® vaccination at Peel Public Health’s Healthy Sexuality Clinics. Residents can call (905) 799-7700 to book an appointment.

“Peel will continue to monitor cases and follow the lead of the provincial and federal governments,” the region said in a statement to INsauga.com.

No cases of the more serious type of the mpox virus found in Congo and neighbouring countries have been confirmed in Canada, however, the first case outside of Africa was confirmed in Sweden on Thursday, according to multiple reports.

For more information on mpox and the risks in Mississauga and Brampton visit www.peelregion.ca.