Monkeypox is rare and usually confined to Central and West African countries, but a small spate of cases here and in Europe has some scientists concerned. Are we going to get a lot of edicts from the Centers for Disease Control? Here’s what they’re saying so far:
“CDC is urging healthcare providers in the U.S. to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox, regardless of whether they have travel or specific risk factors for monkeypox and regardless of gender or sexual orientation,” CDC representatives said in a statement.
Already the internet is lighting up, with some users posting theories that it’s a conspiracy (Bill Gates must be behind it), others saying the last thing they want to hear about is another virusSome of them with humor.
Westminster’s first case of Monkeypox.#monkeypox pic.twitter.com/Y79QrATcUt
— Parody Boris (@Parody_PM) May 20, 2022
While the number of cases so far is low, 20 confirmed infections were reported by the U.K. CNBC
Germany on Friday reported its first case of the virus, becoming the latest European country to identify an outbreak alongside the U.K., Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Sweden. U.S.And Australia this week also confirmed their first cases, as experts attempt to determine the root cause of the recent spike.
Some cases have been linked to travel from Africa, but more recent infections are thought to have spread in the community, raising concerns about a potential wider outbreak.
The monkeypox virus was first detected in captive monkeys in 1958, with the first human case recorded in 1970. It’s part of the same family as smallpox, but it’s not as serious and usually goes away on its own. This is Livescience
According to the CDC, monkeypox can cause swelling of lymph nodes and fever like many other viruses. A rash may appear on the skin, usually starting at the forehead and spreading to the rest of the body within 1-2 days. There are several steps that occur before the rash disappears. The rash begins with macules or small brown patches that appear across the skin. Papules are bumps that appear as raised bumps. The rash becomes vesicles or pustules. These look similar to pus-filled pimples. They eventually scab and disappear. According to the CDC, it usually takes between two and four weeks for this disease to heal.
First of all—YUCK. Any discussion that includes the word “pustules” is not for me. WARNING:Illustrations
In the United States, two cases of monkeypox were reported. A small epidemic has also been reported in Spain, Portugal and England.
Here’s what to know.https://t.co/JYp0YRWoWG
— NPR (@NPR) May 18, 2022
This virus is so beautiful! This is what the Cleveland Clinic says:
Contact with infected animals or people can spread monkeypox. Animal-to-person transmission occurs through broken skin, like from bites or scratches, or through direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, bodily fluids or pox lesions.
There is also evidence that monkeypox may spread in the gay community, as Livescience reports that you are in the vulnerable class if “you are a man who regularly has intimate contact with other men.”
One reason not to get too worked over this latest virus: There’s a monkeypox vaccine, and it’s been around for a while. According to officials, the US purchased just 13 million doses Thursday after a Massachusetts patient contracted it. (Thirteen MillionAre there different dosages due to one case? Either they’re not telling us something, or that’s massive overkill. The time will prove.
Also, if you’ve had a smallpox vaccine, it’s 85 percent effective against the monkey.
I hesitate to say after our experience of the last two years that monkeypox doesn’t seem a major cause for worry, because it’s entirely possible that the outbreaks get worse. But I personally worry more about the CDC’s reaction than I do about contracting it. My life wasn’t turned upside down by COVID (I had it and meh)—my life was turned upside down by the ResponseTo it.
Monkeypox is something to keep an eye on, but as of now the case numbers are low, infections usually go away on their own, and it’s no time to panic. This mask could be worn at all times.
Protective mask against monkeypox pic.twitter.com/71wIIBbx7X
— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) May 20, 2022
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