Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care has confirmed the first case of clade Ib mpox (monkeypox) in the province. This is also the first documented case of clade I mpox in Canada, traced to a recent travel-related incident involving an outbreak in central and eastern Africa.

Due to the sensitive nature of the case, no further identifying information will be released. A comprehensive public health investigation, including contact tracing, is currently underway.

The individual, who returned to Manitoba recently, was assessed and diagnosed shortly after arrival. The National Microbiology Laboratory confirmed the presence of the clade Ib mpox virus based on the individual’s travel history and symptoms.

Mpox, a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), belongs to the orthopoxvirus family, which also includes vaccinia, cowpox, and variola (smallpox) viruses. Symptoms include a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. While most individuals recover fully, some cases can become severe. Transmission of mpox occurs through close contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, or infected animals.

There are two recognized types of mpox: clade I (subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (subclades IIa and IIb). Clade II mpox has been circulating globally, including in Canada, since 2022. Clade I mpox, however, has not been reported in Canada until now. Several travel-associated cases of subclade Ib have recently been identified in other countries, including the United States.

Manitoba Health emphasizes that mpox does not spread easily between individuals without close contact. Consequently, the overall risk to the general public remains low.

For further information, please refer to Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care’s official channels.