According to the World Health Organization, monkeypox is not yet an international public health emergency. There have been more than 4,700 reported cases worldwide. More than 300 cases were reported in the United States. Public health officials are unable to track all transmission chains, so they may be undercounting cases. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and how it spreads.
Monkeypox is not currently a concern for the American public. Although it is currently spreading to men who have had sex with other men, it is likely that it will spread to other people soon. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported 10 cases of the disease among women as of June 27. Although generally mild, monkeypox can be deadly to those who have severe skin conditions such as eczema, immunocompromised women, infants, breastfeeding women, or people with severe skin problems like eczema, or pregnant women.
If it spreads unchecked, monkeypox may become an epidemic in the U.S. as well as around the globe.
A viral infection similar to smallpox, monkeypox can be contracted through a virus called the Monkeypox. It causes milder symptoms.
It can be transmitted by close contact. This includes sex, kissing and massage. The current outbreak of monkeypox was transmitted primarily sexually.
Condoms or dental dams won’t stop all transmission. They protect against transmission from and to the skin and mucosal surfaces they cover. It is important to understand that the virus can penetrate the skin, including the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth. Scientists aren’t sure if monkeypox can spread through vaginal fluid or semen.
Although monkeypox can be transmitted by respiratory droplets and “sprays”, it is not considered to be an efficient method of transmission. Although monkeypox can be transmitted via aerosols (covid-19), it is not known if this has been proven.
It is unknown if monkeypox can also be transmitted to people who don’t have symptoms.
Monkeypox symptoms can develop as soon as 21 days after being exposed. They include fevers, chills, swelling of the lymph nodes, headaches, and rash.
It is unknown if monkeypox always displays any of these symptoms.
Experts believe that monkeypox, similar to smallpox will cause at least some symptoms. However, this belief is based upon pre-1980 science and before more advanced diagnostic tests.
Monkeypox rash typically begins with red bumps and then develops into pus-filled, fluid-filled bumps. These bumps may look like pimples or blisters. The sores will then scab over. Monkeypox patients should not be considered infected until the sores have scabbed over and fallen off. The sores of monkeypox are very painful. In the past, the rash was seen on the soles of the feet and palms. However, many people who have been affected by this disease have also experienced internal and external lesions to the mouth, genitalia and anus. Retinal pain, or the feeling of having to have a bowel move when their bowels empty, may also be experienced by some people.
For testing, you should visit your closest sexual health clinic if you experience symptoms such as anal, oral, or genital lesions. Any suspicious lesions should be swabbed by a medical professional for testing. Although there is some evidence to suggest that throat swabs can be used in screening for monkeypox in the United States, health officials have yet to recommend them.
Yes. The ACAM2000 and Jynneos vaccines are both effective in preventing monkeypox. The FDA approved the Jynneos vaccination to prevent monkeypox in adults 18 years and older. FDA approved the ACAM2000 vaccine to prevent smallpox. Because it is safer and has fewer side effect, the Jynneos vaccination is used in the United States.
The Jynneos vaccination is safe. It has been tested on thousands of people, even those with skin conditions or immunocompromised. The Jynneos vaccine can cause side effects similar to other vaccines. These include fatigue, fevers, swelling of the glands, and irritation at injection sites.
The Jynneos vaccination is effective in preventing monkeypox for up to 4 days. If given up to 14 days, it may decrease the severity of symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that monkeypox vaccinations be given to those who are at highest risk. These include people who have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox, transgender women, and health care personnel, first responders, and military personnel who may come in contact with the affected.
The supply of Jynneos is currently very limited. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Respond will immediately release 56,000 doses of the strategic national stockpile. Additional 240,000 doses of the strategic national stockpile will be released in the coming weeks. 750,000 doses are available later this summer and 500,000 in fall for a total number of over 1.5 million.
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene now offers the Jynneos vaccination to gay and bisexual men and other men who have had sex with women. San Francisco and other large cities are also expected to offer the Jynneos vaccine.
It is important to inform yourself and your partners about monkeypox. You can get monkeypox tested at a sexual clinic if you are concerned. Some health care facilities, including emergency rooms and urgent care centers, may not have the latest information on monkeypox. The CDC link to find the nearest sexual health clinic is https://gettested.cdc.gov/.
If you or your partner have monkeypox, it is best to not have sex with them. Remember that condoms, dental dams, and other forms of contraceptive can help reduce the risk of transmission. The CDC warns against going to parties that have a lot of people in very little clothing. Other suggestions include washing bedding and sex toys.
Monkeypox is not a common, effective or safe condition. Monkeypox is usually mild and resolves in a matter of weeks. To reduce fevers and pain, medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used. Some patients, such as the immunocompromised, pregnant women, the fetus, newborn, women breastfeeding, young children and those with severe skin conditions, may develop more severe illnesses and require more precise treatment. Doctors are now exploring experimental treatments such as cidofovir and brincidofovir. The Jynneos or ACAM2000 vaccines can be used to reduce the severity of the disease if they are administered early in the infection.
There are many conspiracy theories about monkeypox. Monkeypox does not exist. Monkeypox can be contracted. Monkeypox can’t be given by covid vaccines. Bill Gates and pharmaceutical companies did not invent monkeypox. Monkeypox was not created in a laboratory in China or Ukraine. The U.S.-Mexico border has not been crossed by migrants who have brought monkeypox to the U.S. Monkeypox is not a reason to lock down or mandate monkeypox vaccinations.
KHN (Kaiser Health News), a national newsroom, produces in-depth journalism on health issues. KHN, along with Policy Analysis and Polling are the three main operating programs of KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed non-profit organization that provides information to the nation on health issues.