Monkeypox Virus | Public Health Ontario - ISS-G20 Laboratorium Repository

Testing Indications

This document provides testing information for monkeypox virus (Poxviridae family, Orthopoxvirus genus). For testing information of poxviruses other than monkeypox virus and variola virus, please refer to the following link:

• Poxviruses (Excluding Monkeypox Virus and Variola Virus) Testing Information

General Background:
Monkeypox is a viral illness endemic to parts of Central and West Africa. It is spread to people through direct contact with the bodily fluids or lesions of infected animals or people, via respiratory droplets from an infected person, or from mother to fetus. Symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and lethargy, followed by the development of a rash (usually 1 to 3 days after fever onset). 

Since May 20, 2022, several countries in which monkeypox is not endemic, including Canada, have documented clusters of cases of monkeypox virus infection. All infections characterized so far among the recent clusters have been due to the West African clade.

Who to test:
Individuals with a compatible clinical illness, where monkeypox is suspected should be tested. Approval for monkeypox testing is not required, nor is it required to contact Public Health Ontario (PHO) Customer Service Centre prior to specimen submission. Consult with PHO if you have any questions regarding testing eligibility, specimen collection or transportation.

Entire content available on: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/Laboratory-Services/Test-Information-Index/Monkeypox-Virus