Mpox remains a public health concern in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, with a recent increase in cases, predominantly among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) who have not received two doses of ImvamuneTM, the vaccine used for the prevention of mpox.
Caused by the mpox virus, the disease is endemic in parts of west and central Africa, where transmission historically has primarily been from infected animals to humans. Since May 2022, one of the African strains (Clade 2) has spread to more than 70 countries where it is exclusively spread from person-to-person.
According to data from the BC Centre for Disease Control, in 2024, 96 cases of mpox were reported across B.C. (compared to 190 in 2022) with an additional 19 cases reported in 2025 to date. Most cases in the province (77% in 2024 and 68% in 2025) have been among VCH residents.
More than half have occurred among those who are not immunized or who had received only one dose of the recommended vaccine (62% in 2024 and 52% in 2025). While cases can occur among those who have received two doses of vaccine, these individuals tend to have milder symptoms than those who are unvaccinated. However, they can still transmit the infection to others. There have been no hospitalizations from mpox in 2024 or 2025, and no deaths reported in B.C. to date.
With the recent rise in cases, the spread of infection continues to be through person-to-person transmission, primarily affecting gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after exposure but can take anywhere from five to 21 days to appear and can last up to two to four weeks.
The infection may start with flu-like symptoms, then one to five days later, a skin rash appears, with lesions that can appear on genitals, hands, feet and/or mouth. The rash may start in one place and spread to other parts of the body.
Mpox is usually a mild illness, and most people recover on their own after a few weeks. However, unvaccinated individuals can experience moderate or severe disease. All individuals with signs and symptoms of mpox should get tested by their primary care provider or local clinic, as mpox can also mimic other types of common infections such as genital herpes or syphilis that may require different treatment.
A complete series of two doses of ImvamuneTM, the vaccine used for the prevention of mpox, is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of mpox infection and of severe illness. In BC, among those who received a first dose of vaccine since 2022, only 47% have received a second dose; it is never too late to receive a second dose, regardless of the first vaccination date. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men with risk factors for mpox are eligible for vaccination.
