The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received many confirmed reports in several countries, including the U.S., of an outbreak of a novel strain of the Monkeypox. The UK, Spain, Portugal, and the U.S. have confirmed a small number of growing Monkeypox cases that have caused global concern. This strain of Monkeypox, which is commonly found in Africa, was brought to Massachusetts by someone who had just travelled from the UK. And while the strain is considered rare and centralized in Africa, epidemiologists still have concerns as it is a novel strain, similar to the recent SARS-CoVID-2 strain, or COVID-19, with its many sub-variants like the Delta and Omicron, are not taking any chances and monitoring the current situation closely.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease that comes from the same family of viruses as Smallpox, the pandemic outbreak that devastated more than half of the world population and expedited a global mission to create a global immunization to successfully eradicate the diseases. Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys that were kept in labs for experimental purposes and later transmitted to humans in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the fight against Smallpox. Human-to-human transmission of the Monkeypox virus is rare but can happen in areas where there are crowds and poor air circulation. Transmission can also happen with humans when exposed to contaminated materials, such as feces, urine, and/or corpses of dead animals. Transmission can also occur through the scratches and bites of infected animals, preparation of infected game, or consumption of contaminated animal meat and by-products. Practicing good hygiene will reduce transmission risk greatly, which is why many of these cases occur in undeveloped or developing areas with poor hygiene or water sanitation systems.
Is Monkeypox Dangerous?
All diseases can be dangerous but not all diseases affect people the same way. While many cases of monkeypox usually end up self-recovering, that is, no special medication or treatment is needed, monkeypox can be fatal, according the the World Health Organization. Good hygiene is important, and if infected, ensure you isolate yourself an get plenty of rest, drink plenty of healthy fluids, eat plenty of healthy foods, and seek medical attention if symptoms increase. Vaccinations are widely available and should be taken if one plans to travel to areas where the virus is known to exist.
So What’s the Danger?
Simply put, this monkeypox strain is rare and unusual and public health experts are calling it a novel strain, so while there is a platform we can go off to mitigate the dangers and risks of monkeypox, there is indication that this strain could cause an outbreak and propose previously unrecognized symptoms, additional symptoms, or other risks that could either adapt or mutate to cause an increase for an outbreak threat. For more information, contact your local public health office or stay tuned for any future updates here on Stay Alert Stay Alive.
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