Should you be worried about monkeypox?
As if COVID wasn't enough...the latest buzzmaker is the "new kid on the block", monkeypox. Considering the ravaging pandemic for the past couple of years, while the public is exhausted, they're also still rather vigilant and cautious about the spread of disease. This definitely helps in the sense that many are now much more aware of the importance of hand hygiene and sanitation in avoiding outbreaks. However, unfortunately, monkeypox continues to spread.
On August 4th, 2022, the US declared monkeypox a public-health emergency. Sounds familiar? Throw it back to circa 2019-2020. But is this another threat of a second pandemic?
Although it is said to have been more of a strategic move to ensure adequate vaccination supply, there are still several key things that everyone should be aware of. Let's talk about those. I'm sure you have questions, answers to which might also be found below.
1) What is monkeypox?
A rare virus, first "found" in monkeys in 1958, that stems from the same family as smallpox.
2) Can you die from it?
Yes, but the chances of that happening are very low. Monkeypox is fatal in 3-6% of cases. For comparison, smallpox had a fatality rate of about 30%. The symptoms are milder, and hence, lead to fewer complications.
3) How do I know if I have it?
The primary symptom of monkeypox is a rash, the appearance of which can vary slightly, but initially consists of pimple-like lesions on the hands, feet, face, inside of the mouth, or genitals. The catch is, the rash is usually not the first symptom, although sometimes, the only one. It appears a few days after other general symptoms which include: fever, chills, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and some "cold-like" symptoms such as congestion and sore throat. Some describe the rash as "painful", and it tends to change appearance as time goes on, from flat to fluid-filled blisters and then scabs and crusts within 2 weeks.
4) Am I at risk?
If you know you've been exposed, symptoms can take anywhere from a few days up to 2 weeks to appear. So inquire with a provider about testing in that case. The immunocompromised, pregnant/breastfeeding women, young children, and those with certain skin conditions such as eczema are at increased risk. Even if you don't fall into one of these categories, however, it's important to note that some of your lifestyle habits may put you at risk.
5) How can I protect myself?
Here's where the difference lies. While you most likely won't get monkeypox in the store, or on a plane (unless the person sitting right next to you has it and keeps coughing the entire flight), it still has the potential to spread through the air. So there's some sense to wearing a mask, especially if you know you're going to be in close face-face contact with someone for a prolonged period of time or you have a weak immune system. In general, however, you're more likely to get it at a gym, pool, or any type of facility that has the potential to cross-contaminate items such as towels and where your skin is more exposed, as contact with a rash or body fluids = higher likelihood of transmission.
That's why you keep hearing that it requires intimate physical contact (so any form of intimacy or sex is a high-risk activity), but keep in mind that there have been reported cases of transmission at large crowded events (especially now, in the summer). Think clubs, raves, festivals, pool parties, even beach and picnic outings. It's imperative that you avoid sharing items such as towels, bedding, and clothing, especially if someone has a new rash. Wash these items frequently, and as with COVID, proper and frequent hand washing and sanitizing is essential.
6) What are the treatments?
The best treatment is prevention, but thankfully, we already have a vaccine that makes it that much easier to prevent more severe disease. Keep in mind that having had the "chickenpox" vaccine is not the same, although the smallpox vaccine has shown some protection against the monkeypox virus. In fact, the two existing vaccines, ACAM2000 and Jynneos/Imvanex protect against both smallpox and monkeypox, and although they differ slightly, it's in your best interest to be proactive and find out if you're eligible for one of these.
To find out more about eligibility, visit the CDC website by clicking on this link:
If you had monkeypox, then you likely have some protection against another infection and are currently not eligible to be vaccinated. People who have been informed by the Health Department that they are a close contact of someone with monkeypox should also get vaccinated.
Remember, in most cases, monkeypox is a short-lived and fairly mild disease, however, with it being 2022 and with COVID still hanging around, there is no reason why we should have a growing outbreak of a disease so rare. As of August 8th, the total global case count is 28,220. To stay up to date on the number and amount of total and local cases in your area, check out this tracker here:
*all the provided information is courtesy of the CDC as an official source of reference; information may be out of date at the time of reading depending on such
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