Monkeypox

What is monkeypox?

Human monkeypox virus is a disease related to smallpox but that causes a milder illness. Monkeypox infection, transmitted from animals to humans, was first identified in 1970 in rural villages of Central and West Africa as smallpox disappeared and smallpox vaccination programs were stopped. Increasing cases of monkeypox have been recently reported in more than 80 countries worldwide, including Canada.

Is monkey pox transmissible by blood or blood products?

As of July 2022, there have been no reported cases of transmission of monkeypox by blood transfusion. 

What about medicine made from plasma? Is monkeypox transmissible through plasma protein products?

Monkeypox is not transmissible through plasma protein products, which are pharmaceutical therapies made from plasma — a component of blood. In general, plasma protein products are extremely safe because of the added steps in the manufacturing process that inactivate or remove viruses, including monkey pox.  

Can I donate if I have been vaccinated for monkeypox?

There is no waiting period if you have been vaccinated for monkeypox.

Can I donate if I have had contact with someone who has had monkeypox?

If you have had contact with someone who has had monkeypox and don’t get sick or have symptoms, you should wait 42 days from last contact with the infected person before donating blood or plasma. Contact is defined as contact with skin or bodily fluids (e.g., sexual contact), with a contaminated object (e.g., clothing) or face to face contact without a mask for more than 3 hours (e.g., living in the same household).

Can I donate if I have had monkeypox?

If you have had monkeypox, you should wait 42 days from the start of symptoms before donating blood or plasma.  

Should I contact Canadian Blood Services if I develop a case of monkeypox, or a contact of a case of monkeypox?

Yes, please contact Canadian Blood Services if you have donated and then find out you either have a case of monkeypox or were in contact with someone who has had monkeypox. 

Where can I get more information?