Protocol for the Mpox Prospective Observational Cohort Study (MPOCS) among individuals with mpox in Canada

Abstract

In mid-2022, a global mpox epidemic emerged that was concentrated in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, prompting the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern. Shortly after cases were first identified in Canada, we established the Mpox Prospective Observational Cohort Study (MPOCS) to characterize clinical, psychosocial, epidemiologic and virologic characteristics of this re-emerging infection. Community members were engaged in identifying research priorities, creating participant-facing materials, and forming a community advisory board. This article outlines the MPOCS study protocol. Although cases of mpox in Canada have rapidly declined, our research procedures may serve as a template for rapidly studying emerging infectious disease threats in the future, particularly among sexual networks.