Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care is advising of the first confirmed case of clade lb mpox (monkeypox) in the province, which is also the first case of clade I mpox in Canada. This is a travel-related case associated with an ongoing outbreak of clade I mpox in central and eastern Africa.
Due to the risk of identifying the individual, further identifying information will not be released. A public health investigation, including contact tracing, is ongoing.
The individual was assessed and diagnosed shortly after returning to Manitoba and is currently isolating. Based on travel history and symptoms, specimens were tested and confirmed by the National Microbiology Laboratory for clade Ib mpox virus.
There are two types of mpox, clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb). Clade II mpox has been circulating globally, including in Canada, since 2022. Clade I mpox has not previously been reported in Canada. Several cases of travel-associated subclade Ib have been reported in other countries, including recently in the United States.
Mpox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), an orthopoxvirus related to vaccinia, cowpox and variola (smallpox) viruses. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever and other symptoms. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick. Either clade of mpox spreads from person to person, through close contact (including intimate or sexual contact, household contact, or providing care) with someone who has symptoms of mpox, through contact with contaminated materials, such as bed sheets or towels, and contact with infected animals.
Mpox does not spread easily between people unless there is close contact with someone who has symptoms. The overall risk to the general public is low.
Advice for travelers is available at travel.gc.ca.
As part of the global outbreak of clade ll mpox, people who are at greater risk of exposure to mpox can be immunized for pre-exposure prophylaxis. For more information or to determine eligibility, visit gov.mb.ca.
People who need additional information about mpox or immunizations can contact their local public health office, their health-care provider or Health Links-Info Santé.
