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Manitoba has confirmed its first case of clade Ib mpox, also marking the first case of clade I mpox in Canada. This case is linked to a travel-related outbreak in central and eastern Africa.
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The individual was diagnosed shortly after returning to Manitoba and is currently isolating. Public health authorities are conducting an investigation, including contact tracing. To protect the individual’s privacy, no additional identifying details will be disclosed.
The National Microbiology Laboratory confirmed the diagnosis through specimen testing. Clade I mpox, which includes subclades Ia and Ib, has not been previously reported in Canada. Globally, cases of travel-associated clade Ib mpox have recently been identified, including in the United States. Clade II mpox, which has been circulating in Canada and other countries since 2022, remains the more commonly reported type.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), an orthopoxvirus related to vaccinia, cowpox, and smallpox viruses. Symptoms include a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and other health effects. While most individuals recover fully, severe cases can occur. Transmission typically requires close contact with someone showing symptoms. This can include intimate or sexual contact, household exposure, caregiving activities, or contact with contaminated materials like bedding or towels. Mpox can also spread through infected animals.
Although mpox does not spread easily without close contact, public health authorities emphasize that the overall risk to the general population remains low.
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