Health Canada’s Response to the Emerging Global Mpox Outbreak: What We Know So Far

Health Canada is “closely monitoring” the resurgence of mpox cases following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of a public health emergency of international concern on Wednesday.

Although the new strain, which is primarily spreading in Africa, has not yet been confirmed in Canada, epidemiologists are urging the federal government to take more proactive measures to prevent the outbreak from worsening globally.

No ‘Clade I’ Cases Confirmed in Canada

As of August 15, Health Canada reports that no cases of the more severe “clade I” variant of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, have been detected in the country.

“We’ve been conducting wastewater monitoring, and so far, we haven’t detected clade I in Canada. However, that could change,” said Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer.

Federal authorities have stated that they are capable of testing for both variants of the virus and are collaborating with provinces and territories on reporting efforts.

“We still need to be vigilant and closely monitor any potential cases,” Tam emphasized.

This variant is distinct from the strain that triggered a months-long global emergency in 2022. While cases of that earlier version, known as “clade II,” continue to spread in Canada, with some regions experiencing a summer surge, the situation remains a concern.

As of mid-July, 164 cases of “clade II” mpox have been reported across Canada this year, according to Tam.

She advises eligible adults at high risk of exposure, particularly men who have sex with men, to get vaccinated. Additionally, individuals should minimize their risk by reducing contact with potentially sick individuals, maintaining good hygiene and sexual health practices, and being cautious when attending events involving prolonged close contact with others.

What’s the Vaccine Situation?

Health Canada reports that it has secured a “sufficient supply” of the Imvamune vaccine to support ongoing prevention and control efforts. Imvamune is effective against both clade I and II variants of mpox.

Current national guidelines restrict the two-dose vaccination series to individuals at high risk of exposure, and vaccination for the general public is not recommended at this time.

Epidemiologists, however, suggest that to prevent the virus from becoming a greater threat to Canadians, the government should consider quickly donating doses to countries that are more severely affected.

Global disease control experts have warned in a recent medical publication that failing to take action, or merely offering “performative charity,” could lead to disastrous consequences.

Jason Kindrachuk, Canada Research Chair in emerging and re-emerging viruses at the University of Manitoba, emphasized the “unprecedented need” in hotspot countries for vaccines, diagnostics, and funding to sustain the ongoing response.

“If we don’t focus on containment at the source, we will inevitably face the need for increased investment in response efforts as outbreaks escalate. This also heightens the risk of broader spread,” Kindrachuk said.

He added, “It’s not only the ethical and moral thing to do, but it’s also critical for our economic and national public health preparedness.”

So far, the federal government has not confirmed its next steps, noting in a statement the millions of dollars it has donated in recent years to the WHO’s emergency contingency fund and its past partnership with a global vaccine alliance.