Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox)

Mpox is a viral illness that causes a rash or lesions on a person’s body that can be in a single location (e.g., genital area, mouth) or all over the body. Other symptoms that can happen before or after the rash include fever/chills, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle aches, and sore throat. During the 2022 global outbreak, mpox virus has most commonly spread to people through direct close contact with an infected person including intimate or sexual contact.

Please note that PHO’s laboratory will continue to refer to tests for the virus as monkeypox tests because they are required to align with the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) nomenclature. Please see the Monkeypox Virus Testing Information page for more information.