The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization, and multiple territories and states across the globe have declared monkeypox a public health emergency. This has triggered “pandemic PTSD” for many, but according to public health experts and officials, this is very different from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 illness.
Where does monkeypox come from?
Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by the monkeypox virus. This virus is related to the variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Clinically, monkeypox presents similar symptoms to smallpox, although it is much less severe and rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
In 1958, monkeypox was discovered when two outbreaks occurred in a colony of monkeys that were being kept for research. Despite the name “monkeypox,” they do not come from monkeys, and the origins are still quite unknown. Since it is a zoonotic virus, it can be transmitted from animals and non-human primates (like monkeys) to humans.
This virus is not new, and it is endemic in areas near central and west Africa. Researchers are mainly interested in it because it is a cousin of smallpox. Smallpox is a deadly viral infection that was eradicated in 1980 thanks to vaccines. It is no longer naturally occurring in the world, however there are 2 laboratories that are preserving it: the CDC in Atlanta, Georgia and the VECTOR laboratory in Novosibirsk, Russia. Because monkeypox is genetically similar to smallpox, the antiviral treatments and vaccines used for smallpox can also be used to treat monkeypox.
What are the signs and symptoms?
It can first appear as a flu-like illness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and swelling of the lymph nodes. People may also get a rash which will go through several stages. Monkeypox has a long incubation period, meaning once someone is infected, they likely won’t experience symptoms until 1 or 2 weeks later. This is a good sign because it allows health care providers to intervene if someone is known to have close contact with a case.
How is monkeypox spread?
Historically, it is usually spread from animals to humans, with little human-to-human contact. However, this new strain is different in that it is being spread more rapidly between humans. It is mainly spread through close, intimate contact often skin-to-skin. The fluid from the skin rashes and lesions are what’s infectious. It can also spread through droplets from the mouth. In a more rare instance, it can also live on inanimate objects and fabrics, and people can be exposed that way. The vast majority of cases are spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact.
Should we be worried that this has been declared a public health emergency?
No. By declaring it an emergency, it brings more attention to the topic, intensifying coordinated responses, and making money and resources available. This does not mean we are all in danger of being infected.
Will monkeypox be the next pandemic?
It is likely this will be the next pandemic—however, it will not be like COVID-19. According to Dr. Joseph Eisenberg, professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health,
“Monkeypox is the next pandemic. It is spreading globally through several countries, including the U.S. In the U.S., cases are rapidly increasing into the thousands. It's a different kind of pandemic than what we see in COVID, however, because it is much less infectious and it is currently affecting a specific risk group that involves very close, intimate contact. And so, yes, it's a pandemic, but it's not anything like the COVID pandemic.”
Should we be worried that it will spread like COVID-19?
Dr. Eisenberg states,
“No. The big difference between monkeypox and COVID is that monkeypox is much less effective in spreading. First of all, it can't aerosolize into the air and therefore stay in the air for hours or even days like COVID. Second of all, it requires a much higher dose to become infected. So the fact that it's much less infectious is one reason why monkeypox will not spread in the way we see something like COVID spreading.”
Should everyone get the vaccine?
Only people who have been potentially exposed, have high-risk behaviors, or are immunocompromised should consider receiving the vaccine. It is not widespread enough for everyone to be getting it. As always, please consult with your physician if you are concerned and interested in getting the vaccine.
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