What You Need to Know About the New MPOX Variant (Clade Ib) in Toronto

The news of a new viral strain can understandably cause concern, especially as we approach the anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic declaration. Recently, local health officials confirmed the first travel-related cases of a new MPOX strain in Canada, specifically within the GTA.

While the arrival of the MPOX variant Toronto officials are tracking is making headlines, the most important takeaway is that public health systems are already equipped to handle it. Vaccines are available, treatments remain the same, and the overall risk to the general public remains low.

Here is a breakdown of what this new variant is, how to spot the symptoms, and what actionable steps eligible Ontarians can take to protect themselves.

Understanding the Science: What is Clade Ib?

To understand the current situation, it helps to look at the different strains (clades) of the virus. Recent news reports have occasionally mixed up the naming conventions, so here is the factual breakdown:

• Clade IIb: This is the strain responsible for the global outbreak that began in 2022. It is also the strain responsible for the 155 MPOX cases confirmed in Toronto last year.
• Clade Ib: This is the MPOX clade Ib Ontario recently detected for the first time. It is a newly identified variant associated with recent outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa, and a small number of travel-related cases in Europe and North America.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, current evidence suggests that clade Ib is generally less severe than other historical strains (like clade Ia). Importantly, the existing vaccines and treatments are highly effective against both circulating clades.

How Does It Spread & What Are the Symptoms?

Regardless of the variant, the virus transmits in the same ways and presents with identical symptoms. MPOX spreads primarily through:

• Close, direct contact: This includes intimate or sexual contact with someone who has the virus (the most common transmission route).
• Direct contact with lesions: Touching the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids.
• Contaminated materials: Prolonged contact with clothing, bedding, or towels used by an infected person.

Symptoms to watch for: If you have been exposed, symptoms typically start with flu-like indicators such as a fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by painful skin lesions or blisters.

Actionable Advice: How to Get Protected in Ontario

Toronto Public Health MPOX clinics and community partners are actively encouraging eligible residents to get vaccinated. Because the virus has historically shown a higher concentration in the downtown core, urban residents in eligible risk categories should be particularly proactive.

Here is what you need to know about getting the MPOX vaccine in Toronto:

1. It is entirely free: You do not have to pay for the vaccine.
2. No health card is required: You can get a free MPOX vaccine Ontario clinics offer without needing to show an OHIP card.
3. Two doses are optimal: To get the best protection against both strains, you need two doses of the Imvamune® vaccine given 28 days apart.
4. Boosters aren’t needed yet: If you already received two doses during the 2022 outbreak, you are considered fully vaccinated and do not need a booster at this time. If you only received one dose back then, you should book an appointment for your second dose now.

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