Monkeypox: What you need to know

May 20, 2022

Two samples from patients in Quebec have now been confirmed as cases of monkeypox, a rare infection caused by a typically mild viral strain, from which most people are expected to recover in a few weeks. Additional suspected cases are under investigation.

These are the first two cases of monkeypox confirmed in Canada, caused by a virus similar to the smallpox virus.

Why this matters to the communities we work with:

• Cases have been seen recently among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men across North America and Europe
• Although the monkeypox virus has not been traditionally considered a sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted during close contact such as sex
• People with suspected cases may present symptoms that could be mistaken for a sexually transmitted infection, such as a rash in the genital area

What people can do:

• Remember that most cases of this monkeypox virus strain are not severe, most people recover within a few weeks, and treatments exist if needed
• Watch for signs and symptoms: fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that often appears within a few days after other symptoms
• Speak to a healthcare provider about any concerns, or find a community-based health service near you at http://whereto.catie.ca

CATIE will continue to monitor this situation and share information with the service providers and communities we work with. Subscribe to CATIE News to stay informed.