Last updated: July 3, 2022 at 11:31 a.m.
Monkeypox is a rare viral illness that causes fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and tiredness, followed by a rash over a person’s body. It is usually spread by very close contact with someone who has Monkeypox. The virus is similar to smallpox but Monkeypox is less contagious and has milder symptoms. Most people recover from Monkeypox on their own within 2 to 4 weeks. However, some people can get seriously sick.
We do not know where this virus came from but it was first seen in monkeys and is mostly found in central and western Africa. More recently, the virus has been spreading in other countries, including Canada.
Anyone can get Monkeypox. However, during this outbreak, in a number of countries, gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men have been affected.
Monkeypox typically spreads from a person with the virus to others through:
The virus enters the body through breaks in the skin or through the eyes and mouth. It can also be transmitted from contact with infected animals through bites and scratches.
Someone with Monkeypox can usually pass on the virus when they develop a skin rash or lesions, but it may also spread when they have early symptoms including fever and headache.
At this time, Monkeypox has mostly spread between people who had close intimate/sexual contact with a person who has the virus. It does not spread as easily or quickly as COVID-19. The virus also does not spread through casual contact.
Symptoms usually start within 7 to 14 days after being exposed to Monkeypox, but can also start anywhere from 5 to 21 days later.
Symptoms include:
Monkeypox is diagnosed by a healthcare provider, based on a combination of factors, such as:
To reduce your chances of Monkeypox infection:
If you think you have monkeypox, it is important to isolate right away and contact your health care provider.
People who have been in contact with a person who has monkeypox should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days. If no symptoms appear you can continue with normal activities. If symptoms develop, you should isolate and contact your healthcare provider.
Toronto Public Health will follow up with and provide guidance to who are under investigation or have lab-confirmed monkeypox and any of the people that may have been exposed to the virus.
Most people do not require treatment for monkeypox. Symptoms usually resolve on their own. Treatment is available for severely ill, hospitalized patients.
Imvamune® vaccine is approved in Canada for protection against monkeypox. Each eligible person receives one dose (0.5ml) of the Imvamune vaccine. The vaccine contains weakened virus and cannot make you sick.
The vaccine can be used for protection against Monkeypox before getting exposed to the virus (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) or after being exposed (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis).
Toronto Public Health continues to follow federal and provincial guidance on the administration of Imvamune vaccines to protect at-risk populations against the monkeypox virus. Based on Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines, clinics are intended for people 18 years old and older who are transgender or cisgender individuals who self-identify as a man and belonging to the community of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community, as well as at least one of the following:
At this time, cis-gender (non-trans) women are not eligible for the vaccine unless identified as a close contact of a case.
No ID or OHIP required. No appointment needed, walk-ins welcome.
When the vaccine is used as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, it should be given within 4 days, but can be given up to 14 days after the last exposure. Contact your healthcare provider or Toronto Public Health to find out if you are eligible for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.
Toronto Public Health and community partners will be hosting the following Monkeypox vaccination clinics over the next few weeks for at-risk populations. An OHIP card is not needed to get vaccinated for monkeypox.
Clinic | Address | Day(s) and Hours of Operation |
---|---|---|
Metro Hall | 214 Wellington St W, Main Floor | Friday, July 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Sunday July 3, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday July 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday, July 4 to Thursday, July 7, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. |
Cloverdale Mall | 250 The East Mall, Etobicoke | Saturday July 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday July 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Tuesday July 5 to Friday July 8, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. |
1940 Eglinton | 1940 Eglinton Ave E., Scarborough | Saturday July 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday July 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Tuesday July 5 to Friday July 8, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. |
To view the latest data on Monkeypox in Toronto, visit Public Health Ontario’s Monkeypox webpage, updated twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The following City-run clinics provide the Monkeypox vaccine: Metro Hall, Cloverdale Mall, and 1940 Eglinton Ave E.
All City-run clinics are able to offer accommodation.
Each City-run clinic has parking near the entrance, ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs. Staff are also on site at each clinic to support if required. Clients who need a care provider or service animal with them will be accommodated. There are also privacy rooms available upon request. If you require an accommodation, alert a staff member upon arrival or at any time while at the clinic.
You may request an accommodation ahead of attending a City-run clinic. You will be asked the date and time when you plan to access your vaccination dose and a public health nurse will contact you within two business days to confirm the details of your request.
Examples of accommodations we can provide include:
If you require assistance filling out the survey or requesting accommodation, please call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 (TTY: 416-392-0658).