The World Health Organization said on June 25 that smallpox was not yet a public health emergency of international concern. More than 4,000 cases have been reported worldwide, with about 250 in the U.S. And with public health officials unable to track all transmission chains, the cases are likely to be underestimated. Everyone should be aware of their symptoms, how it spreads, and the risks of it getting worse.
Q: Should I worry about the smallpox of the monkey?
The American public currently has a low risk of monkeypox. It is spreading among men who have sex with men, but it is only a matter of time before it spreads to others. As of June 27, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control had reported 10 cases among women. Monkeypox is usually a mild disease, but can be serious or even fatal to immunocompromised people, pregnant women, fetuses or newborns, women who are breastfeeding, young children, and people with severe skin conditions such as eczema. .
But monkeypox could become endemic in the U.S. and around the world if it continues to spread uncontrollably.
Q: How does smallpox spread?
Smallpox is a viral infection, a cousin close to smallpox. But it causes a much milder disease.
It is transmitted through close contact, including sex, kissing and massage, any type of contact with the penis, vagina, anus, mouth, throat or even the skin. In the current outbreak, monkeypox has been transmitted primarily sexually.
Condoms and toothpicks will reduce, but not prevent, all transmission because they only protect against transmission to and from the skin and mucosal surfaces that are covered by these devices. It is important to know that the virus can enter broken skin and penetrate the mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose, mouth, genitals, and anus. Scientists do not know if monkeypox can be transmitted through semen or vaginal fluid.
Monkeypox can be transmitted through respiratory drops or “sprays” a few meters away, but this is not believed to be a particularly efficient mode of transmission. It is unknown whether monkeypox can be transmitted through aerosols, such as covid-19, but has not been documented to date.
It is not known if monkeypox can be transmitted when someone has no symptoms.
Q: What are the usual symptoms of monkeypox?
Symptoms of monkeypox can develop up to 21 days after exposure and can include fever and chills, swollen lymph nodes, rash, and headaches.
It is not known if smallpox in the monkey always shows any or all of these symptoms.
Currently, experts think that smallpox, like smallpox, will always cause at least some of these symptoms, but this belief is based on science prior to 1980, before there were more sophisticated diagnostic tests.
Q: How is the monkeypox eruption?
The rash of the monkey’s smallpox usually begins with red spots and then evolves into fluid-filled bumps and then pus that may look like blisters or pimples. Then the blows open in sores and a crust. People with monkeypox should be considered infectious until the sores run out and fall off. Monkeypox ulcers are painful. The rash has often been seen on palms and soles in the past, but many people in this outbreak have experienced external and internal lesions of the mouth, genitals, and anus. People may also experience rectal pain or the feeling of needing to do a bowel movement when their bowels are empty.
Q: How do I get tested for monkeypox?
If you have symptoms of monkeypox, including oral, genital, or anal lesions, go to your nearest sexual health clinic for testing. A medical professional should evacuate any suspicious injury for testing. There is also emerging evidence that throat swabs may be helpful in detecting monkeypox, but so far U.S. health officials do not recommend them.
People consult about monkeypox vaccination at a New York City clinic on June 24, 2022. Liao Pan / China News Service via Getty Images
Q: Is there a vaccine for monkeypox?
Yes. Two vaccines are effective in preventing monkeypox: the Jynneos vaccine and the ACAM2000 vaccine. The FDA has approved the Jynneos vaccine to prevent smallpox and smallpox among people 18 years of age or older. The ACAM2000 is FDA approved for smallpox prevention. Currently, the US is only using the Jynneos vaccine because it is safer and has fewer side effects.
The Jynneos vaccine is safe. It has been tested on thousands of people, including people who are immunocompromised or have skin problems. Common side effects of the Jynneos vaccine are similar to those of other vaccines and include fever, fatigue, inflammation of the glands, and irritation at the injection site.
The Jynneos vaccine is effective in preventing monkeypox disease up to four days after exposure and can reduce the severity of symptoms if given up to 14 days after exposure.
Q: Can I get vaccinated against monkeypox?
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends smallpox and smallpox vaccination only for those at high risk: people who have had close contact with someone with monkeypox, as well as some workers. health workers, laboratory staff, lifeguards and members of the military who may come into contact with those affected.
Jynneos vaccine supplies are limited. As of June 14, the strategic national stock contained more than 72,000 doses. The U.S. government bought 500,000 more doses this month, bringing the total number of doses purchased to nearly 2 million.
New York City expands access to monkeypox vaccine as virus spreads through US 05:26
The New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene has begun offering the Jynneos vaccine to gay and bisexual men, other men who have sex with trans men and women who are 18 years of age or older and who have had multiple sexual partners or anonymous in the past. 14 days. Other major cities, including San Francisco, are expected to do the same.
Q: What are other ways to reduce the risk of monkeypox transmission?
The best way is to educate yourself and your sexual partners about smallpox. If you are worried that you may have monkeypox, get tested at a sexual health clinic. Many emergency rooms, emergency care centers, and other health centers may not be up to date on monkeypox. The CDC link to find the nearest sexual health clinic is https://gettested.cdc.gov/.
Refrain from having sex if you or your partner have smallpox. And remember that condoms and toothpastes can reduce but not eliminate the risk of transmission. The CDC also warns about the risk of going to radishes or other parties where many people wear little clothing and from saunas and sex clubs. She has other suggestions like washing sex toys and bedding.
Q: Is there any treatment for monkeypox?
There is no safe and proven specific treatment for monkeypox. Most cases of monkeypox are mild and improve without treatment for a couple of weeks. Medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to reduce fever and muscle aches, and medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and opioids can be used for pain. In rare cases, some patients, such as immunocompromised people, pregnant women, fetuses or newborns, women who are breastfeeding, young children, and people with severe skin conditions, will develop more serious illnesses and may require more specific treatment. Doctors are trying experimental therapies such as cidofovir, brincidofovir, tecovirimate and immunoglobulin vaccinia. If given early in the course of the infection, Jynneos and ACAM2000 vaccines can also help reduce the severity of the disease.
Q: What misinformation is circulating about monkeypox?
Conspiracy theories abound about the smallpox of the monkey. Monkeypox is not a hoax. The monkey’s smallpox is real. Covid vaccines can’t give you monkeypox. Monkeypox was not invented by Bill Gates or pharmaceutical companies. Monkeypox does not come from a laboratory in China or Ukraine. Migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border have not brought smallpox from monkeys to the U.S. There is no need for a monkeypox vaccine or blockade warrant due to monkeypox.
Dr. Céline Gounder, an internist, epidemiologist and infectious disease specialist, is a senior member and general editor of public health at Kaiser Health News.
KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism on health issues. Along with Policy Analysis and Surveys, KHN is one of the top three KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) operational programs. KFF is a gifted non-profit organization that provides information on health issues in the nation.