Background information
-
Monkeypox virus overview: including transmission and clinical signs / symptoms (Ontario Ministry of Health).
- Monkeypox virus: local update for Brant (Brant County Health Unit).
-
Briefing on monkeypox (PDF): a presentation that summarizes the etiology, epidemiology, symptoms, transmission, case and contact management, and IPAC precautions (Ontario Ministry of Health).
-
Memo on monkeypox (PDF): discusses clinical considerations including etiology, transmission, signs / symptoms, testing, case and contact management, and IPAC precautions (Ontario Ministry of Health).
-
Pathogen Safety Data Sheet for Monkeypox: provides referenced technical information on the infectious agent, transmission, etiology, treatment and vaccination, and IPAC precautions (Public Health Agency of Canada).
-
Information for clinicians: includes detailed clinical information on treatment, case and contact management, and vaccination (USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
-
Monkeypox detailed fact sheet: Provides an overview of the virus, transmission, epidemiology, clinical considerations including treatment, case and contact management, and prevention (World Health Organization).
Laboratory testing:
-
Testing information for monkeypox virus: provides information on the indications for testing, specimen collection and handling, test requisitions, reporting, and testing methods (Public Health Ontario).
Infection Prevention and Control:
Reporting to Public Health:
On June 16, 2022, monkeypox was designated a Disease of Public Health Significance (DOPHS) as "Smallpox and other Orthopoxviruses including Monkeypox" under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA). Under Ontario Regulation 135/18, monkeypox is designated as both a communicable and virulent disease. Persons required to report DOPHS and/or communicable diseases under the HPPA are now required to report directly to the local Medical Officer of Health in accordance with the reporting requirements in the Act, as per routine disease processes
Confirmed, Probable, or Suspect cases of monkeypox must be reported within one business day to Public Health Ontario (PHO) after the responsible provider learns that they have a patient who meets a case definition of monkeypox.
Please note that while cases of monkeypox are reportable to PHO, Ottawa Public Health will be available to answer community providers' questions regarding the reporting process.
Patient resources:
Forms:
-
Ontario Monkeypox Investigation Tool (PDF): must be submitted to PHO when reporting a confirmed, probable, or suspect case of monkeypox (see Appendix B). The tool starts on page 5 of the linked PDF.
Contact us:
For more information, contact Brant County Health Unit at 519-753-4937 ext. 454
infectioncontrol@bchu.org. Please provide your designation and reason for contact to ensure priority.