Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), the respiratory tract or the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Current Situation

For information on the situation in B.C., please visit BC Centre for Disease Control: Monkeypox - Current Situation.

For information on the situation in Canada, refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada. 

For other information about monkey pox including how it spreads, symptoms, what to do if you are ill or have been exposed, prevention and vaccination, and recommendations for Two-Spirit, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities (2SGBTQ+), visit:

• BC Centre for Disease Control: Monkeypox.
• BC Centre for Disease Control: Monkeypox Vaccine
• First Nations Health Authority: Frequently Asked Questions - Monkeypox
• Government of Canada: Monkeypox - Advice for travellers
• Vancouver Coastal Health Authority: Monkeypox

Symptoms

According to BC Centre for Disease Control, monkeypox can be spread from animals to humans, from person to person and through contaminated objects. Symptoms can last 2 to 4 weeks and occur in two stages. In the first stage, symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Intense headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Back pain
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Other less common symptoms can include sore throat, cough, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea

The second stage usually starts 1 to 5 days after stage one. Second stage symptoms can include:

• A rash that often starts on the face or legs and arms, and can affect other parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, mouth and genitals.
• Monkeypox sores usually last between 2 to 3 weeks. The sores change in appearance over time from raised spots to small blisters filled with fluid. They eventually form a scab and fall off.

Last Updated: July 2, 2022