The decisions came after cases of monkeypox began to spread rapidly around the world earlier this year. Previously, the virus – a relative of smallpox – was endemic to some countries in West and Central Africa. (It was initially discovered by lab researchers in Denmark in 1958.) The disease can strike anyone of any age, gender, sexuality, race or ethnicity, says Michelle Forcier, MD, MPH, staff physician at LGBTQ+ telehealth startup FOLX. and professor of pediatrics and assistant dean of admissions for the Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University. (That said, according to World Health Organization data, most reported cases involve men who have sex with men.)
As the monkeypox outbreak continues to grow in size, many misconceptions and myths are circulating. For example, people wrongly assume that because most of the reported cases are now among men who have sex with men, the disease is sexually transmitted — even though that’s not the case, David C. says Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition for STDs. directors.
So what is the truth about monkeypox and how is it spread and how can you protect yourself from it? Experts are still learning about this particular strain of the virus, so information may evolve in the coming weeks and months. But now we know how to prevent monkeypox and prevent it from spreading in your circle.
How is monkeypox spread – and what does it look like?
There are a few ways that monkeypox can spread from person to person – some of which scientists are still discovering. But in general, “monkeypox is primarily spread to humans through close skin-to-skin contact — such as people living together in the same household, sharing a bedroom, hugging or having sex,” Dr. Forcier says. The disease can cause rashes or rashes, and touching them can spread the virus. Hugging, kissing, massaging, and extended face-to-face time count as close contact according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pregnant people infected with monkeypox can pass it on to their fetuses, or babies, through skin-to-skin contact after delivery.
The virus can also be spread by fomites, aka linen, bath towels and clothing used or worn by people infected with monkey pox. The same goes for eating utensils used by people with monkeypox, as the virus can be spread through saliva. As a zoonotic disease — meaning it spreads from animals to humans — the monkey virus can also be spread through contact with bodily fluids from infected animals, according to the WHO.
There are still some unknowns about how monkeypox is transmitted — especially this new strain, which is spreading faster and more widely than older iterations of the virus. Monkeypox virus can be found in semen and vaginal fluids, but the role of intercourse in spreading the virus is not yet known, says Dr. Forcier. Scientists are still unclear whether it can be spread by asymptomatic people or by respiratory droplets.
Regarding how monkeypox manifests itself, the virus presents a range of symptoms that vary between individuals. According to the CDC, monkeypox can cause fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a painful, skin rash on the genitals, arms, legs, face, or chest. In more severe cases, a person may get rashes or sores around or around their eyes. But it may take a long time for symptoms to appear after you are infected. Dr. “The incubation period for monkeypox infection is usually five to 13 days, but can range from four to 21 days,” she says. Four weeks after the original exposure – the rash crusts, and the scabs fall off. This part usually occurs seven to 14 days after the rash starts.”
How to protect yourself and others from monkey pox
The monkeypox virus is spreading rapidly in the U.S., and yet federal and state-led efforts to control it are slow. (Just today, two officials from the CDC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency were named to lead the response to the virus.) As such, individuals are unfortunately still on their own when it comes to protecting themselves from disease. And again, we’re still figuring out if it can spread through more, which will impact mitigation strategies. But here’s what to know about how to prevent monkeypox and prevent it from spreading.
1. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes or mouth
This should come as no surprise to us given the past two-plus years of dealing with COVID-19. Because monkeypox is spread by close skin-to-skin contact (you know, touching!) with an infected person, wash your hands with soap and water before and after eating, and before and after touching your face. every When you use the bathroom. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also work in a pinch.
2. Avoid people who are currently infected with monkey pox
Maintaining physical distance and avoiding contact with people who have or are known to have been exposed to monkey pox can help reduce your risk of contracting the virus, says Dr. Forcier. If someone in your household gets monkey pox, they should self-isolate, wear a mask and wear clothing that covers their rash, she says. If you have to be around them – ask them to bring food or wash their clothes – the UN recommends wearing masks and gloves (and disposing of them after each use). Clean and disinfect their living space and items they have used with warm water and detergent.
3. Be aware of the potential risks of certain public and private gatherings
The CDC recommends considering how close, personal contact you will have in certain situations. Festivals and concerts where people are fully clothed, for example, are probably safer from a monkeypox perspective than going to a party or club where people are scantily clad and/or pressed against each other for long periods of time.
4. Isolate yourself if you start showing symptoms
If you think you’ve been exposed to monkeypox — say, you were at a party and later find out that someone you hung out with had monkeypox — you should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after that exposure. You can go about your daily activities, but if symptoms appear (like an unexplained rash), you should immediately self-isolate and contact the health department for further guidance, says Dr. Forcier.
5. Check with your sexual partner(s).
Dr. “If you are someone in a social group who is seeing increased monkeypox infections and activity, check with sexual partners for exposure or symptoms,” says Forcier. Remember, while monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted. Through close skin-to-skin contact… which, you know, is the hallmark of sex. “If there is any exposure or symptoms, abstaining from intercourse for a while will not only prevent the spread of monkeypox, but help you avoid it. They are also infected,’ she says. The same goes for asking about other infectious symptoms, be it monkey pox, COVID-19, or the common cold. And if you or a friend gets monkey pox, the WHO recommends using a condom during any sexual activity for 12 weeks after recovery.
6. Get vaccinated for the disease if you are eligible and in the distribution area
There are two vaccines that can be used to prevent monkey pox. The CDC recommends vaccination for people at increased risk of monkeypox (including public health workers and close contacts of someone with monkeypox). Currently, Dr. Forcier says the vaccine is being distributed locally in places like New York, San Francisco and Chicago, but broader big-picture vaccination plans have yet to be identified or determined by the CDC. Contact your local health department for information about vaccinations, as well as who is specifically eligible in your state or city.
7. Talk about it with your personal network
Making community and social groups aware of monkeypox can also help reduce its spread. While local health departments are responsible for these education efforts, you can help by talking to friends, posting informational signs in public places like libraries, gyms, bars or clubs, or sharing accurate information on social media.
Efforts to reduce stigma or shame about any type of illness and infection are important so people can learn more, ask important questions and seek care early if needed, Dr. adds Forcier. “Viruses don’t care who you are, what you do, who you love. Viruses are opportunistic and spread anywhere and everywhere,” Dr. Forcier says – and monkeypox is no exception. MPX is the best way to stop. To have open and honest conversations with people close to you. Ask questions, check the health of family members or sexual partners, and if there is an exposure to a virus or risk of infection, then act on ways to reduce your own. Risk and risk of spreading to others.