Monkeypox is a rare viral illness that causes fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and lethargy, followed by the development of a rash over a person’s body. It is spread to people through direct contact with the bodily fluids or lesions of infected animals or people, via respiratory droplets from an infected person, or from mother to fetus (Public Health Ontario).
Patients suspected of having monkeypox virus should be referred to the local hospital emergency department to be managed as per PHO infection prevention and control recommendations. Airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) is not necessary but may be used if ruling out other infectious diseases such as varicella or measles. The patient should be placed in a single room with the door closed and with a dedicated toileting facility.
Suspected cases of monkeypox must be reported.
Effective June 16, 2022, monkeypox virus has been designated a Disease of Public Health Significance (DOPHS) as “Smallpox and other Orthopoxviruses including Monkeypox” under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA). Refer to CMOH memo for additional details. Suspect and confirmed cases of monkeypox virus must be reported directly to the local Medical Officer of Health in accordance with the reporting requirements in the Act.
Report to HPEPH Infectious and Communicable Diseases program by phone 613-966-5500 x 349 and fax required pages of the Ontario Monkeypox Investigation Tool to 613-966-1813. For evening and weekend reporting, call 613-966-5000 and follow the prompts for the on-call Public Health Inspector.
Approval for monkeypox testing from Public Health Ontario is no longer required. Specific testing information can be found at: Public Health Ontario Monkeypox Virus Testing Indications.
For more information:
- Provincial resources including case definitions, testing information and IPAC recommendations – Public Health Ontario’s Monkepox web page.
- National Updates on Health Canada’s web page.
- Global updates – World Health Organization
- HPEPH’s Monkeypox FAQ
