Canada confirms its first case of clade I mpox
November 22, 2024
Canada has reported its first case of clade I mpox, identified in a traveler returning from Africa and confirmed in Manitoba by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). This marks a new development, as clade II has been the dominant strain in Canada since 2022. The individual is isolating, and contact tracing efforts are underway. While the WHO continues to classify mpox as a public health emergency, PHAC assures the public that the overall risk remains low. This case highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring and swift public health responses to emerging global health threats.
Canada’s Public Health Agency (PHAC) has confirmed the country’s first case of clade I mpox, detected in a traveler returning from central or eastern Africa. This development represents a shift, as clade II mpox has been the predominant strain in Canada since 2022. The individual sought medical care upon noticing symptoms, and the National Microbiology Laboratory confirmed the clade I diagnosis. The patient is now isolating, and public health officials in Manitoba are conducting contact tracing to contain potential spread.
Mpox, a viral infection that spreads through close contact, typically presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While often mild, the disease can be severe or fatal in certain cases. The WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years this past August, after the clade Ib variant emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo and began spreading to neighboring countries. Clade I cases, associated with higher severity, remain a critical concern.
The PHAC emphasized that the risk to Canada’s general population remains low and affirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation closely. The agency is collaborating with local authorities to investigate and mitigate risks, ensuring prompt action to prevent wider transmission.
This case underscores the need for continued vigilance and robust public health measures in the face of emerging infectious diseases. As global travel resumes and interconnectedness increases, the potential for importing new variants grows. Canada’s proactive response—combining swift diagnosis, contact tracing, and public communication—demonstrates the importance of preparedness. Moving forward, global cooperation in vaccine distribution, rapid diagnostics, and public health infrastructure will be essential to managing mpox outbreaks and safeguarding populations from further spread.