Despite mpox global health emergency, risk to Albertans is low: AHS

FILE - This image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases shows a colorized transmission electron micrograph of monkeypox particles (red) found within an infected cell (blue), cultured in the laboratory that was captured and color-enhanced at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Fort Detrick, Md. Kenya and the Central African Republic declared new outbreaks of mpox July 31, 2024. (NIAID via AP, File)

Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global health emergency after an outbreak in Central Africa, officials say the risk to Albertans is low.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) says so far this year, seven cases have been recorded. This includes two in July and none so far in August.

For comparison, in 2022, there were 44 cases. Last year, there were three.

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In Toronto, there have been 93 confirmed cases as of July 31.

AHS officials say if you have been in close prolonged contact with someone with mpox or are experiencing symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, the best practice is to self-isolate and call 811 or your primary care doctor.

Testing is available for those with symptoms of mpox at many sexual and reproductive health clinics, as is testing for more common infections.

Albertans who meet the eligibility criteria for targeted prevention can get the mpox vaccine.

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