Toronto has announced a "rise" in monkeypox cases and health officials are urging eligible residents to get vaccinated to contain the spread of the disease.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, Toronto Public Health stated that it has seen 93 confirmed cases as of July 31. At the same time last year, the number of cases in the city was 21.

The latest figures indicate that there were 13 new confirmed cases in Toronto during the last two weeks of July.

According to Toronto Public Health, monkeypox cases have been reported throughout the city; however, a higher concentration of infections has been observed among residents in the downtown area.

Toronto Public Health stated in its advisory: "In response to this increase in reported cases, public health is working with community partners to raise awareness of the risk of the disease, improve access to vaccination, and vaccinate eligible residents."

In March, Toronto Public Health confirmed that it had recorded 21 cases of the virus since January 1, marking a sharp increase compared to 2023, when 27 cases were reported throughout the year. Later that month, health officials in Ontario urged public health units to test for the virus amid an increase in infections across the province.

This news comes ahead of an emergency meeting of the World Health Organization on Wednesday to determine whether the rise in cases in Africa and beyond should be declared a global emergency.

Monkeypox was declared a global emergency in July 2022 after the virus spread to more than 70 countries. Before 2022, the disease was primarily seen in sporadic outbreaks in Central and West Africa when people had contact with infected animals.

Symptoms of monkeypox typically begin within six to 13 days after exposure, but they can take up to 21 days to appear in some cases. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, and rash.

Public health officials have stated that most people recover from the virus on their own within two to four weeks.

The infection spreads from person to person through physical contact with infected lesions or blisters, bodily fluids, or respiratory secretions. Contaminated materials, such as clothing or bedding, as well as bites or scratches from infected animals can also transmit the infection.

Health officials said, "Currently, monkeypox has primarily spread among people who have had close/intimate or sexual contact with someone infected with the virus – with gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men being the most affected," adding that the number of cases increased in late June and July following major events and festivals in the city.

Among the 102 confirmed cases reported across Ontario as of July 13, at least 98 cases were found among men.

The latest data from Ontario Public Health shows that there have been no deaths or hospitalizations related to monkeypox in the province since the beginning of the year.

Doctor: It is unclear whether the new strain is more virulent

While it is clear that monkeypox is spreading, especially in Africa, it is unknown whether the new strain of the virus is more contagious or causes more severe symptoms than before.

Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at Toronto General Hospital, told CP24 on Tuesday: "People are talking about whether this could be more severe or cause more serious illness, or perhaps transmit more easily. I think it's fair to say that it's too early to make any definitive statements about the virulence of this particular strain. What is clear, regardless, is that it is spreading."

Bogoch noted that most of the 102 cases in Ontario were acquired locally and were not brought in through travel from another part of the world.

He said, "And if you compare that to the entirety of 2023, we had only 33 cases, so we have acquired monkeypox locally in Ontario." Public health has pointed out that travel is not a significant factor among the current cases in the city.

Vaccination against monkeypox is the best way to prevent infection, and public health recommended getting two doses as the virus continues to spread. For those who have already been in contact with someone infected with the disease, health officials stated that post-exposure prevention is available.

While Bogoch clarified that the effectiveness of the current monkeypox vaccine against the new variant is still unknown, he indicated that it is likely to provide "reasonable protection" against infection and severe illness.

To check your eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine, please visit the website.