Updated: February 9, 2023
What is Mpox?
Mpox 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 the virus.
Anyone can get Mpox. However, during the current 2022 outbreak, gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men have been impacted the most. At this time, Mpox has mostly spread between people who had close intimate/sexual contact with a person who has the virus. The virus also does not spread through casual contact.
What To Do If You Are Sick
The University is working with the appropriate offices and public health authorities to ensure the health and well-being of students, staff, and faculty, to minimize disruption, and to enable all to get the most out of their on-campus experience.
If you have any symptoms of Mpox, it is recommended that you isolate yourself immediately.
If you have symptoms and are a student, employee or other member of the University community, please call or email U of T Occupational Health Services right away at (416) 978-4476 or ehs.occhealth@utoronto.ca. You will be provided with confidential, judgement-free guidance and support regarding testing and isolation protocols.
If you have symptoms and are a student or employee living in a University residence, please also call or email U of T Occupational Health Services right away to discuss isolation protocols.
U of T Occupational Health Services can also notify close contacts of someone who tests positive, and provide those contacts with guidance.
Most people recover from Mpox on their own within 2 to 4 weeks. However, some people can get seriously sick. Most people do not require treatment for monkeypox.
U of T Occupational Health Services can refer you to information regarding accommodations for course or employment purposes.
What To Do If You Have Been Exposed To Mpox
People who have been in close contact with a person who has Mpox should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days. If you develop symptoms, you should isolate and contact U of T Occupational Health Services right away.
What You Need to Know
Ontario Public Health is tracking and providing up-to-date information about Mpox in Ontario, including Toronto and Peel regions.
The Mpox virus is spreading mostly through close, intimate contact with someone who has Mpox.
You can take steps to prevent getting Mpox and lower your risk.
Toronto Public Health recommends vaccination, if you are eligible, to prevent the spread of Mpox. The vaccine is available free at Toronto and Peel clinics. Confidentiality and respect for sexual diversity and ethnicity are assured at the clinics.
Resources
Local, Provincial and Federal Mpox Resources
- Toronto Public Health – General Mpox Advice
- Toronto Public Health – Mpox Vaccine & Eligibility and Vaccine clinics
- Peel Public Health – Information & Vaccination Clinics
- Public Health Ontario – Cases in Ontario and up-to-date information
- Government of Canada – Mpox Information
Additional UofT Resources
- Environmental Health and Safety
- Student Health and Wellness – St. George Campus
- Student Health and Wellness Centre – Scarborough Campus
- Student Health and Counselling Centre – Mississauga Campus
- Mpox: Transmission, Facts and Advice