In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to the rapid transmission of clade IIb mpox via sexual contact across numerous countries where the virus had not been previously detected. Since 2022, mpox has continued to be detected globally, including in Ontario where an increase in cases have been reported since early 2024. On August 14, 2024 the WHO declared a PHEIC due to the emergence and rapid spread of a new clade I of mpox (called clade Ib) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with spread to neighbouring countries.
This PHO Rounds will provide a background on the different mpox clades including an epidemiological update on the mpox situation globally and in Ontario. We will highlight key updates on laboratory testing for clade Ib, the use of third-generation smallpox vaccine to prevent mpox infection, and review infection prevention and control measures.
Intended audience: PHU staff working in infectious disease, Epidemiologists, public health physicians and nurses, MOHs/AMOHs
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the epidemiology of mpox in Ontario and globally, including key differences between Clade I and Clade II infections
- Review key updates to the public health approach to mpox in Ontario including laboratory testing, and infection prevention and control measures
- Describe eligibility criteria for Modified Vaccinia Ankara - Bavarian Nordic vaccine (Imvamune®) in Ontario and its effectiveness in preventing mpox infection
Presenter(s): Dr. Austin Zygmunt and Dr. Christine Navarro
Dr. Austin Zygmunt, MSc, MD, CCFP, FRCPC, is a Public Health Physician in Health Protection at Public Health Ontario. His portfolios include sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections, emerging infectious disease threats including mpox and viral hemorrhagic fevers, environmentally acquired infections (i.e., blastomycosis, legionellosis), and infection prevention and control lapses. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada specializing in Public Health and Preventive Medicine, and an Assistant Professor with the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Ottawa. His public health interests include communicable diseases, health equity, and LGBTQ+ health.
Dr. Christine Navarro, MD, MSc, FRCPC, is a Public Health Physician at Public Health Ontario. She supports the Immunization and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Team, as well as the Enterics Team. Before joining PHO in December 2021, Christine worked as an Associate Medical Officer of Health at Toronto Public Health. Christine has a Masters of Science in Epidemiology and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Christine is also an Assistant Professor with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.
Accreditation
Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.
PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
Accessibility
Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
Register Here
