Roger-Luc Chayer (Image: AI – Gay Globe)
The Toronto Public Health Department is sounding the alarm about a significant resurgence of monkeypox, known as Mpox in Quebec, particularly among men in the gay community. This significant increase follows several public cultural events, including Pride in Toronto.
(Photo: Medical Express)
What is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Humans can contract the disease through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, although less common, through close contact with an infected person, particularly via bodily fluids, skin lesions, or objects recently contaminated with these fluids. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash.
Homosexual men tend to be overrepresented among new cases of the disease, largely due to their lifestyle habits and frequent sexual proximity within this population. The increase in Mpox cases among gay and bisexual men is explained by several factors. Activities involving close physical contact, such as sexual intercourse, can facilitate the transmission of the virus. Men who have sex with other men (MSM) may be more exposed due to the frequency of these close contacts. Social and sexual networks among gay and bisexual men may be more interconnected, which can accelerate the spread of the virus within these networks if one person is infected.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of the disease to treat it as quickly as possible. These symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, intense fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, armpits, and groin, and a generalized rash that evolves into pustules.
Is Mpox fatal?
The disease is almost never fatal, but it can progress to complications that may leave significant scarring on the body and face. Currently, there is no specific treatment for the virus; only supportive medications can be used. In some complications, antibiotics or antivirals may be prescribed.
The African Strain
Unfortunately, Africa is currently facing a new, exceptionally severe form of Mpox. According to France 24, the African Union is taking action against Mpox. Its health agency, Africa CDC, has declared a « public health emergency, » its highest level of alert, in response to the ongoing epidemic in several countries on the continent, as announced by its director on Tuesday, August 13. The continent is dealing with the spread of a new strain, detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo in September 2023 and named « Clade Ib, » which is more deadly and more contagious than previous strains.
Free Vaccination
Vaccination against Mpox is free in many countries, including Canada. It is strongly recommended to get vaccinated not only to prevent the spread of the disease but also to reduce its severity if exposed to the virus. The vaccination is very effective.