Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma ‘at risk’ of mpox case hike: HARP

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A reported rise in Ontario mpox cases hasn’t hit Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District, but the region remains “at risk.” 

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This is primarily due to travel, with residents here venturing to places in which the viral infectious disease is more prevalent, says Roy Schuurhius, healthy sexuality and prevention co-ordinator with HIV & AIDS Resource Program (HARP). 

Public Health Ontario is reporting a mpox activity increase in Ontario since mid-January with 67 confirmed cases occurring from Jan. 1 to June 15. In comparison, only 33 confirmed cases were reported in 2023. Trends pertaining to age, gender and risk factors, were similar between cases reported in 2023 and 2024.  

“(Numbers here are) not necessarily at that rate yet,” Schuurhius told The Sault Star in an interview Tuesday. “But I know I’m having people going to Paris in a couple weeks for the Olympic Games, I’ve got people coming back from (Toronto) Pride, I’ve got people coming over the border, I’ve got flight attendants coming in. So, we are at risk.” 

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Just over 79 per cent of cases were reported in Toronto with the remaining infections recorded in eight other Ontario public health units, including 7.5 per cent in Ottawa. 

 Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox until the World Health Organization changed its name after an outbreak that spread to Europe, Canada and the United States, is a viral infectious disease. A total of 1,541 cases were reported in Canada at its height in June 2022. 

It most often manifests as a rash or lesion, and can cause a fever, exhaustion and swollen lymph nodes.  

Of the recent cases reported in Ontario, more than 95 per cent were among men, with cases disproportionately impacting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, the Public Health Agency of Canada reports. 

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 The recent hike, officials say, serves as a reminder the infectious disease is still present, despite a dip from its peak two years ago.  

Ontario Public Health reports only 35.3 per cent of individuals who received one dose of the Imvamune vaccine in Ontario have received their second dose. The number of doses administered in 2024 peaked in April and has declined in the most recent month.  

HARP is partnering with Algoma Public Health to offer a free mpox vaccination clinic July 25, from 3 to 6 p.m., at HARP’s new satellite location, 316 Wellington St. E., where both first and second doses will be offered. 

“Let’s stay proactive about our health and protect each other,” says a social media post advertising the clinic. 

Participants must be 18 and older and are asked to bring an OHIP card/ID. 

“So, we’re trying to get everybody equipped,” Schuurhius said. “There’s a lot going on.” 

Individuals with a previous history of laboratory confirmed mpox infection or history of completing a two dose Imvamune vaccine series do not require a booster vaccine, Ontario Public Health says. 

The upcoming Sault Ste. Marie clinic will also feature testing for HIV, hepatitis C and gonorrhea. 

“Syphilis right now is really on the rise and it’s hitting our community really badly,” Schuurhius said. 

• With files from The Canadian Press 

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