Government of New Brunswick

Mpox

Confirmed Mpox cases:

One case of mpox was confirmed in New Brunswick in August 2022

Public Health is providing the number of confirmed mpox cases to keep the public informed. It’s important to note, that the number of confirmed cases does not mean that all of these cases are currently active.

The Imvamune mpox Vaccine is currently being offered to eligible New Brunswickers.

The mpox Vaccine is now available to cisgender, transgender or two-spirit individuals of any age, who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual or men-who-have-sex-with-men community and who are or plan to become sexually active with more than one partner may now receive two doses of the vaccine as a public health measure to increase protection.

Additionally, individuals who self-identify as sex workers, as well as staff or volunteers in sex-on-premises venues are now eligible.

Imvamune pre-exposure vaccination is now being offered to eligible individuals as a two-dose primary series, with at least 28 days between doses

How do I book an appointment?

If you meet eligibility criteria for the vaccine and would like to book an appointment, visit: https://schedule.ableassess.com/VNB/Register?culture=en or call 1-833-437-1424.

  • If individuals choose to book an appointment with a clinic located in a different zone, a postal code from another area may be used.
  • Individuals who would not prefer to use their name when booking an appointment are encouraged to use the following first and last name below:
    • First name: Imvamune
    • Last name: Vaccine

Before arriving at your appointment:

  • It is important to bring your medicare card to your appointment.
  • Please ensure your consent is filled out and brought with you.

A parent/legal guardian needs to consent to immunization for minors younger than 16; however, the Medical Consent of Minors Act does allow for medical treatment (including any procedure undertaken for the purpose of preventing any disease or ailment) of a minor younger than 16 without the need for a parent/legal guardian’s consent when certain conditions are met.

If unable to find an Imvamune appointment in your region, please contact your local public health office to discuss appointment options.  Public Health Clinics (gnb.ca)

What is mpox and what are the symptoms?

Mpox is a viral infection accompanied by a rash that may be painful. People usually develop symptoms 5 to 21 days after being exposed to the mpox virus.

Most people recover on their own after a few weeks. However, in some circumstances, people can become very sick.

The rash can be painful and could affect any part of the body, such as the:

  • mouth
  • genitals
  • perianal
  • face
  • arms and legs
  • feet
  • hands

The rash usually lasts between 14 and 28 days and changes through different stages. It finally forms scabs that later fall off. The rash can be accompanied by general symptoms such as:

  • fever
  • chills
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • headache
  • muscle pain
  • joint pain
  • back pain
  • exhaustion

Symptoms typically last from 2 to 4 weeks.

You are contagious from the onset of first symptoms until the scabs have fallen off on their own and the skin is healed.
 

How does mpox spread?

Mpox virus can spread when a person comes into contact with the virus from an infected animal, infected person, or materials contaminated with the virus.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids or sores on an infected person or with materials that have touched body fluids or sores, such as clothing or linens. People who might be at risk of contracting mpox are those who have had prolonged close contact or through the handling contaminated belongings of a person infected with the virus. House-hold members have been identified as being at greater risk of infection due to these factors. Mpox can be spread during sexual contact between people.
  

Can mpox be treated?

The illness is often mild and self-limiting, with symptoms usually resolving within a few weeks. Although rare, severe cases and death can occur. If you are feeling very unwell, you should contact a health care provider without delay.
  

How can mpox be prevented?

As with many other diseases mpox spreads through close contact. People can lower their risk by:

  • Avoiding skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact including sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms or is a known case.
  • Frequent hand washing and frequent cleaning of common surfaces and objects
  • Wearing a mask if you are in close contact with someone with symptoms
  • Getting assessed by a healthcare provider if you have symptoms that may be due to mpox
  • Following Public health guidance if you are a suspected or known case or are a contact of a case.
      

How do I care for my pet/animals when I test positive for mpox or develop symptoms?

The mpox virus may spread from animals to people through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, by handling wild game, or through the use of products made from infected animals.

You should:

  • Avoid contact with your pets and in particular pet rodents (e.g. mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs) for 21 days (or until all skin lesions have resolved).

If your pet becomes sick talk to your veterinarian.
  

What do I do if I think I have mpox?

If you develop symptoms and suspect you have mpox, contact 811 or a health care provider for advice, testing, and medical care. You should avoid close contact with others until you have been assessed and additional information is provided.

Until you see a healthcare provider:

  • Avoid close, intimate contact and sex with others
  • It is especially important to avoid close contact with people who may be at greater risk of experiencing severe illness including pregnant people, people with a weakened immune system or children.
  • Do not share towels, clothing, sheets or other things that have touched your skin.
  • Cover any sores or blisters as much as possible with clothing or bandages.
  • Wear a mask when you are in close contact with others.

If you are confirmed or strongly suspected of having mpox, Public health will be contacting you to gather more information and provide you with guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your infection to others.

If you believe you are a close contact of someone who has been diagnosed with mpox, call your local Public Health office for further advice and guidance. Find your local Public health clinic contact information here.

Find more information on how to complete home isolation here.
 

What should I do when planning to travel?

Be aware of the mpox situation in the places you visit and take the same precautions you would use at home. Some people have been exposed or got mpox from close contact during sexual activity while travelling.

Further Information: