**** NSHA Media Release
PSA: Public Health investigating case of mpox in Central Zone
Nova Scotia Health Public Health has confirmed a case of mpox (monkeypox) in the Halifax region.
The person appears to have contracted the illness while travelling outside the province.
Symptoms appeared after the person’s return to Nova Scotia. Public Health has been following this case closely and has identified only one contact.
The risk to the general public is very low. People who are at highest risk of contracting mpox are those who have been in close or intimate contact with a person who has an active infection.
“I want to encourage people who are at highest risk, who haven’t yet been vaccinated, to go get vaccinated, and to complete your two-dose series,” said Dr. Jesse Kancir, Regional Medical Officer of Health for Eastern Zone, the lead medical officer of health for mpox. “While we have not seen many cases of mpox here in Nova Scotia, there is a risk of a resurgence in Canada with increased summer travels and large gatherings.”
Imvamune is a vaccine that helps protect against infection and reduces the severity of an infection. It can be requested from physicians, community pharmacy primary care clinics, and at some Public Health offices.
To support local access to Imvamune, Halifax Sexual Health Centre will be holding mpox pre-exposure immunization clinics in the coming weeks. Public Health will share information about dates and times as they become available. Those who are eligible will be able to book online at https://novascotia.ca/mpox/.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends Imvamune be used as a preventive, two-dose vaccine for those at highest risk, with doses separated by at least 28 days.
Imvamune is publicly funded and available to anyone who meets the following criteria:
- Identify as a cisgender or transgender queer man, a two-spirit person or a non-binary person who has sexual contact with a cisgender or transgender queer man, a two-spirit person or a non-binary person and meets at least one of the following criteria:
· two or more sexual partners since May 2022 as defined above, or is planning to have two or more sexual partners
· a diagnosis of a bacterial sexually transmitted infection since May 2022
· attended, worked at, or volunteered at an event/social venue for sexual contact, such as a bath house or sex club, since May 2022, or is planning to
· had anonymous sex since May 2022, or is planning to
· engaged as a worker or a client in sex work since May 2022 or is planning to.
OR
- Have sexual contact with someone who meets the above criteria.
Only residents of Nova Scotia or people living in the province for prolonged periods, such as post-secondary students or people here for work, who meet the eligibility criteria will be offered the vaccine.
Mpox symptoms and next steps:
· Mpox is a viral disease. The virus enters the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or the mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, nose, or mouth).
· If you have a rash or sores on your skin, fever or swollen lymph nodes, talk to your health care provider and let them know if you have had sexual activity or close personal contact with others in the last 21 days.
· If you have been told you have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with mpox or you develop symptoms, you can contact your local Public Health office and they will give you instructions on what to do next. It is recommended that you monitor yourself for symptoms. If you develop symptoms, contact your health care provider who will assess you and determine if you need a test to diagnose mpox.
· Avoid any direct touching of other people, cover all sores with bandages or clothing, wear a mask while you have any symptoms, and follow isolation instructions provided by Public Health.
Additional Resources:
- Government of Canada mpox resource page: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/mpox.html
- More information about mpox, including how it spreads and what symptoms to look for: https://novascotia.ca/mpox/
- Nova Scotia Health mpox resources: https://www.nshealth.ca/immunizations
- Contact your local Public Health office: https://www.nshealth.ca/public-health-offices
