The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is working with provincial and territorial public health partners to investigate cases of monkeypox in Canada.
Monkeypox is a viral disease. The virus enters the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or the mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, nose, or mouth). Monkeypox can affect anyone who is in close contact with an infected person or their contaminated objects. Contrary to some recent media reports, the virus does not discriminate and is not limited to spread from intimate sexual activities.
As of June 3, 2022, 77 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Canada. As the investigation evolves, it is anticipated that additional cases will be reported in the coming days.
PHAC has information available on Canada.ca with regards to:
PHAC also has information available for health professionals:
PHAC has issued organic social media messages that you may wish to amplify or use on your own social media channels, as appropriate.
A toolkit for stakeholders is also in development that will contain resources to help answer questions, and direct people to credible sources of information. In the meantime, included below are high level key messages that may be of use:
- Human cases of monkeypox have been recently reported in over 20 countries worldwide. Before now, Canada has not seen person-to-person spread of monkeypox.
- Our understanding of the virus is still evolving, but this is a global response. The Public Health Agency of Canada, together with health authorities at home and around the world are actively addressing the situation.
- You should be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and report any concerns to your health care provider. Signs and symptoms of monkeypox can typically include fever, a rash that often appears within a few days after symptoms such as fever develop, as well as headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Human to human transmission is primarily through close contact. You can lower your risk of getting infected and spreading the virus by maintaining physical distance from people outside your home. As well wearing masks, covering coughs and sneezes and practicing frequent hand washing continue to be important, particularly when in public places.
Resources will be updated as the investigation into cases of monkeypox in Canada continues and more information becomes available.