Canada Reports First Clade I Monkeypox Case: What You Need to Know

Canada Reports First Case of Clade I Monkeypox

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has confirmed the country’s first case of clade I monkeypox. This case is linked to travel and involves an individual associated with an outbreak in central and eastern Africa.

After returning to Canada, the individual sought medical care for monkeypox symptoms. The person is currently isolating to prevent further spread of the virus. PHAC is conducting a public health investigation and performing contact tracing.

The National Microbiology Laboratory confirmed that the sample tested positive for monkeypox clade Ib. While clade II monkeypox has been present in Canada since 2022, this is the first confirmed case of clade I monkeypox in the country.

PHAC has stated that the risk to the general population remains low at this time.