By Ben Maske
It seems that the world finally has a handle on COVID-19, following the decline in serious complications and hospitalizations. It has almost been two years since the virus hit the United States and everyone went into lockdown, but we may have a new threat to worry about: monkeypox.
Monkeypox is in the same virus family as the smallpox virus.
It was first identified in monkeys in 1958. According to the CDC, Monkeypox can spread through close contact. Which includes, prolonged face to face contact, kissing, hugging, and sexual contact. It can also be spread through touching objects and fabrics used by the infected individual.
Symptoms of the disease are often more frightening than the disease itself. Once one has contracted monkeypox they begin to grow blistering rash, and bumps all over their skin.
The incubation period for monkeypox is several days, so many stay in contact with others while unknowingly being infected.
The Lancet, Journal of Infectious Disease published in July 2022:
“Monkeypox does not usually spread easily between people and can only spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions or skin lesions of an infected person or through contact with recently contaminated objects such as clothing or linens,” said Lancet.
On July 23, the outbreak of monkeypox was declared a state of emergency by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organization Director General. The announcement was made after a recent spike in cases over the last few months. As of Aug. 26, there have been over 47,000 cases in over 100 countries across the globe.
Alec Brooks, a senior business administration major at WPU, has mixed feelings.
“The thought of monkeypox definitely concerns me,” said Brooks. “It’s pretty intimidating to see the pain it can cause people and how fast it is spreading across the US. On the other hand, I feel like I don’t know enough about the virus to be worried about being affected.”
There is no cure for monkeypox but there is a vaccine available for those who have already contracted the disease or are in a high-risk category. Those assumed to be high risk are those who engage in risky sexual behavior, gay and transgender individuals.
There have been a variety of reactions to the virus. Some people are nervous this could be as big as the coronavirus pandemic, others are skeptical and believe it is a conspiracy.
Either way, monkeypox is here, and it’s spreading. The best way to stay ahead of any virus is to educate yourself and listen to updates from health organizations.
