PHO Rounds: A Review of the Current Global Mpox Situation

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

Note: For the best live experience, please ensure you are using a current version of Zoom (6.1.0 or higher) in Chrome or another modern browser to support interactive features.

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

About the presenters: 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 (PHO), nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by PHO.

Information collected by PHO in this event is for the purpose of administering the event. This information is collected under PHO’s authority as articulated in the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion Act. The information you provide on this registration form is voluntary. If you have any questions about this event, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

This event will take place through Zoom Video Communications, Inc. For more information regarding how Zoom handles your information, please visit www.zoom.com.

This event will be recorded. A copy of the recording will be published to PHO’s website to facilitate education and knowledge transfer.

Accreditation

PHO Rounds are approved for continuing medical education from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. PHO Rounds are also approved by Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI). For more information, contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Stay up-to-date

Stay up-to-date on upcoming events and calls for abstracts by visiting our calendar. If you have submissions, or questions or comments about the items above, send them to capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Accessibility

PHO 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.