Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a disease transmitted from animals to humans (zoonotic) and between humans. This infection is caused by a virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus and presents with systemic symptoms (e.g. fever) as well as skin lesions. Most cases of mpox resolve without complications. This disease is considered endemic (i.e. normally present) in countries of Central and Eastern Africa. During the summer and fall of 2022, outbreaks occurred globally, with cases reported in Montreal, which was the first larger North American outbreak site. A specificity of this outbreak series is that almost all cases involved gay or bisexual men or other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Also, transmission occured almost exclusively through sexual contact. From this, several discussions as to whether mpox should be considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in this context emerged. This would have several implications for prevention strategies and the stigma suffered by individuals contracting mpox. The 2022 outbreaks required vaccination of at-risk populations with the vaccine initially created against smallpox. LGBTQ+ communities were mobilized, in partnership with public health agencies, to reach most at-risk individuals with the limited vaccines offered. Studies have since looked at the experiences of gbMSM concerning mpox vaccination and the stigma associated with mpox in general. Some experts have also described the specificities of mpox in more scarce cases of women and non-binary people affected.
Review · Mpox
14 February 2024
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mpox, monkeypox, gbMSM, vaccination, vaccine, STI, outbreak, stigma
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