Roger-Luc Chayer (Image : Meta AI / Gay Globe)
Montreal’s Regional Public Health Department (DRSP) issued an alert last Thursday following a rise in Mpox cases of clade 2b in the city. Notably, this increase has been observed exclusively among gay men.
In a bulletin sent to healthcare providers, the DRSP stated: “The Montreal Regional Public Health Department (DRSP) is currently observing an increase in Mpox (clade 2b) cases within certain populations in Montreal. Six Mpox cases were reported to the DRSP in the past two weeks, bringing the total to nine cases so far in 2025.
By comparison, 11 cases were reported in 2023 and 38 in 2024. During the 2022 outbreak, approximately 400 cases were identified in Montreal. As seen during previous outbreaks in 2022 and the fall of 2024, transmission is occurring primarily among men who have sex with men (MSM).
All reported cases were infected with the clade 2b virus—the same variant identified in 2022. The clinical presentation of the recent cases is similar to that observed in previous outbreaks; individuals who had been vaccinated generally experienced milder symptoms than those who were unvaccinated.
Transmission continues to occur through direct contact between skin or mucous membranes and the lesions or bodily fluids of an infected person during sexual contact. Four of the six recent cases are believed to have been locally acquired in Montreal, while two may have been contracted abroad. Certain summer gatherings in Montreal and elsewhere may increase the risk of both importation of new cases and local transmission.
The DRSP is urging clinicians to heighten their awareness of Mpox and to continue promoting vaccination among individuals who meet the criteria outlined in Quebec’s Immunization Protocol.
What is Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox)?
Mpox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness caused by a virus related to human smallpox. Initially identified in wild animals such as monkeys and rodents, the virus can be transmitted to humans and subsequently spread between people.
Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact with skin lesions, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects, but can also happen via respiratory droplets during prolonged close contact. While Mpox is not as contagious as smallpox, it poses a higher risk in specific community settings or during close physical interactions.
Early symptoms typically include sudden fever, headache, significant fatigue, and muscle aches, often accompanied by swollen lymph nodes. Shortly afterward, a distinctive rash appears, progressing to blisters or scabs, often located on the face, palms, soles, or genital areas.
Although most cases resolve within a few weeks, complications can arise, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Vigilance and prevention remain essential to controlling the spread of the virus.
Treatment and Prevention
There is currently no specific treatment for Mpox. Care focuses on relieving symptoms—such as fever—and treating secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics when necessary.
An infected person is considered contagious from the onset of symptoms until all lesions have healed and new skin has fully formed over the affected areas.
The most effective method of prevention, apart from avoiding close physical contact during an outbreak like the one currently seen in Montreal, remains vaccination. The vaccine is available free of charge at vaccination centers, CLSCs, and in the Village, notably at REZO’s “Pink Booth.”
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