Mpox Information

August 15, 2024

What is Mpox?

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a 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 close/intimate contact (skin to skin) and direct contact with rashes, scabs and bodily fluids. It can also spread by contact with materials that have been contaminated.  Mpox causes symptoms similar to smallpox but is less severe.

Prevention

Vaccination

Eligible groups can get the vaccine to protect against mpox before a possible exposure to the virus (pre-exposure vaccination) or after being exposed (post-exposure vaccination).  For more information on eligibility and vaccine clinics, please refer to City of Toronto or Peel Region. 

General Precautions

It is always good practice to clean your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after each contact with the person and after handling personal items such as clothing, linens, etc. or touching environmental surfaces that may have come into contact with fluid from rashes or sores.

Wear disposable gloves when handling personal items and performing cleaning tasks. Wash hands with soap and water or use a sanitizer after removing gloves. 

Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces (e.g. door handles, countertops).

Avoid shaking soiled laundry. Laundry can be washed in a standard washing machine with warm water and detergent.

For additional information on how to prevent the spread of Mpox, please refer to: Toronto Public Health – Mpox

 

What To Do If You Are Sick

If you have any symptoms of Mpox, you should 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.  

  1. You will be provided with confidential, judgement-free guidance and support regarding testing and isolation protocols. U of T Occupational Health Services can refer you to information regarding accommodations for course or employment purposes.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

 

What To Do If You Have Been Exposed To Mpox

People who have been in contact with a person who has mpox may be recommended to get post-exposure vaccination. They should monitor themselves for symptoms and avoid close contact with others for 21 days. If no symptoms appear, you can continue with normal activities. If you develop symptoms, you should isolate and contact U of T Occupational Health Services right away.

 

Resources

 

Additional UofT Resources