Monkeypox is a viral infection with a rash that may be painful. Other symptoms could include headache, fever, chills, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle, joint or back pain. Symptoms usually develop within 5-21 days after being exposed to the monkeypox virus, and the symptoms could last 14 to 28 days. If you have symptoms, isolate and contact your primary care provider or local public health nursing office for advice.  

The monkeypox virus can spread from one person to another or from contaminated objects through:

• contact with the lesions or scabs that may be found on the skin or mucosal surfaces (such as the eyes, mouth, throat, genitals, anus, or rectum)

• contact with body fluids (such as blood, saliva, or semen)

• direct contact with shared personal items (such as clothing, bedding, or towels)

• sexual activity, including oral and non-penetrative contact

• close physical contact with others (such as during sports, parties, or raves)

For more information, go to canada.ca/monkeypox

NOTE:  

Vaccine and antiviral treatment

A supply of Imvamune vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and TPOXX antiviral treatment (if needed) is available in PEI should cases occur. In addition, individuals who are planning to travel to outbreak areas and engaging in activities that increase the risk of exposure to monkeypox should contact their local Public Health Nursing office to discuss whether they should be getting vaccinated as a preventative measure.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis

The CPHO is recommending that individuals who are traveling to areas where monkeypox is circulating and plan to engage in activities that increase their exposure to monkeypox (e.g., frequenting bath houses, sex work, or sexual activity with more than one partner) should consider pre-exposure prophylaxis with Imvamune vaccine. Local Public Health Nursing offices will be administering the vaccine to those for which pre-exposure prophylaxis indicated.