The US Department of Health and Human Services declared a public emergency on August 4, 2022 regarding the spread of monkeypox. This declaration will strengthen and accelerate government response to the outbreak.
What Is Monkeypox
The monkeypox virus is rare and similar to smallpox but is much less severe. Most cases are characterized by a characteristic rash, as well as other symptoms like malaise, fever and swollen nodes. Patients may also experience headaches, muscle pains and chills.
Symptoms usually appear within one week and can last up to four weeks.
How Does Monkeypox Spread?
The virus that causes monkeypox spreads by direct contact with bodily fluids from an infected animal or person, or through contaminated objects such as clothing and bedding.
In the past, monkeypox outbreaks were primarily caused by contact with animals infected. The current outbreak, however, appears to be spread primarily by human-to-human contacts.
How many confirmed cases have there been so far?
On August 5, 28,220 confirmed cases were reported worldwide, 7,510 of which were in the United States.
The cases have now been spread to 88 countries, including nearly all 50 States.
The number of deaths caused by monkeypox has been very low. There have only been ten cases confirmed worldwide.
Should I be Worried?
The CDC considers that the risk to the public is still low at this time. The CDC has listed an advisory for this outbreak as an Alert Level 2. Practice Enhanced precautions. This indicates that the outbreak is more severe than Level 1: Use Usual Precautions but not as grave as Level 3 Avoid Unnecessary travel.
Seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of monkeypox or have recently been in contact with someone who is confirmed to have the disease.
How Can I Stay Safe?
Some general recommendations to avoid monkeypox include the following:
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly using soap and water, or hand sanitizer.
- Avoid direct or close contact with sick people or those who show symptoms.
- If your hands are dirty, do not touch your nose, mouth, or face.
- Never touch wild animals. This is especially true if the animal appears to be sick or dead.
- Stay at home if you have symptoms or are sick to avoid spreading the illness.
It is vital to take extra care to prevent exposure if you have a compromised immune system.
In conjunction with the declaration of a public health emergency, vaccines and treatment for monkeypox is being distributed in a very high rate. Speak to your doctor about whether you need to be immunized against the monkeypox.
