Since the summer, new mpox cases have declined considerably in Canada, and for many 2S/GBTQ+ people this means we can breathe a sigh of relief. The worry and stress that hovered over many queer men’s sexual lives is fading.
But, while mpox cases may have plateaued, the impacts of this epidemic are still front and centre in our mind. As of November 14th, close to 80 000 cases have been reported globally1, of which 1445 were in Canada2. For the 2S/GBTQ+ people that got mpox, stories of excruciating pain, stigmatizing experiences accessing care, and long periods of isolation without support have been common. For many others, the threat of mpox meant a new source of fear adding to the disproportionate burden already experienced by 2S/GBTQ+ people in relation to sexual and mental health.
As mpox outbreaks initially developed in Canada, CBRC responded through advocacy, rapid data collection, and information sharing3. In August, with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada, we began creating more guidance and information to support people with mpox, or at risk of getting it.
As a result, a suite of new resources is now available online at mpox.ca, including specific guidance on appropriate wound care (or taking care of the mpox rash), self-advocacy when experiencing marginalization and stigma in accessing care for mpox, and updated information regarding the mpox vaccine.
**read more at mpox.ca**
While cases have plateaued, questions remain about the future of mpox. How long will vaccines protect against the virus, and to what degree? Will there be a second wave of mpox cases in Canada?
Meanwhile, new cases continue to occur in some areas, and many who’ve experienced mpox and recovered continue to deal with the aftermath, including stigmatization within their communities and within the health care system. Others are still recovering, in isolation and off work without any financial support.
While the exact reason cases are going down is unclear, this change can likely be attributed, in part, to vaccination, changes in behaviour (like watching for symptoms and getting tested) and acquired immunity once recovered.
In any case, amidst a slowing case count we can celebrate work done by community members and organizations across the country to support each other and keep our communities safe. We can also help protect ourselves against any future outbreaks by getting a first and second vaccine dose, in areas where these are available.
If a second wave of mpox does occur in Canada, we’ll be ready to respond. In the meantime, there’s a lot to learn from those who’ve gotten mpox, and a lot of work to do in reducing stigma and improving cultural competency to support 2S/GBTQ+ people in health care.
1: https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/
2: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/monkeypox/outbreak-update.html
3: https://www.cbrc.net/mpox
