On Nov. 22, 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirmed the first case of clade I mpox in Canada in an individual in Manitoba. This travel-related case is associated with an ongoing outbreak of clade I mpox in central and eastern Africa. The individual sought medical care for mpox symptoms in Canada shortly after their return and was isolating. A public health investigation, including contact tracing, was ongoing.

PHAC worked closely with public health authorities in Manitoba. The National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) notified the province on November 22 that the sample tested positive for mpox clade Ib. While clade II mpox has been circulating in Canada since 2022, this is the first case of clade I mpox confirmed in Canada.

Mpox is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The rash can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, and back, joint and muscle pain. In rare cases, it can be fatal. Mpox is contagious and people in close contact with individuals with mpox, especially those with visible lesions or symptoms, are at higher risk of infection. Children, pregnant people, and those with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV or other chronic conditions, are at increased risk of severe disease from clade I mpox.