Q: Do I have to worry about monkey pox? The American public is currently at low risk for monkey pox. It spreads among men who have sex with men, but it is only a matter of time before it spreads to others. On 27 June, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control reported 10 cases among women. Monkey pox is generally a mild disease, but can be serious or even fatal for immunosuppressed people, pregnant women, fetuses or newborns, breastfeeding women, young children, and people with serious skin conditions such as eczema. But monkey pox could become endemic in the United States and around the world if it continues to spread uncontrollably. Q: How does monkey pox spread? Monkey pox is a viral infection, a close cousin of smallpox. But it causes a much milder illness. It is transmitted through close contact, including sex, kissing and massage – any kind of contact with the penis, vagina, anus, mouth, throat or even the skin. In the current outbreak, monkey pox has been mainly sexually transmitted. Condoms and dental barriers will reduce, but will not prevent, any transmission because they only protect against transmission to and from the skin and mucosal surfaces 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 smallpox can be transmitted through semen or vaginal fluid. Monkey pox can be transmitted by inhaling droplets or “spraying” within a few feet, but this is not considered a very effective mode of transmission. Whether monkey pox could be transmitted by aerosol, such as covid-19, is unknown, but has not been documented. It is not known if monkey pox can be transmitted when one has no symptoms. Q: What are the common symptoms of monkey pox? Symptoms of monkey pox can develop up to 21 days after exposure and may include fever and chills, swollen lymph nodes, rash and headaches. It is not known if monkeypox always has any or all of these symptoms. Experts currently believe that monkey pox, like smallpox, will always cause at least some of these symptoms, but this belief is based on science before 1980, before more sophisticated diagnostic tests were available. Q: What does monkey pox rash look like? The monkeypox rash usually starts with red spots and then develops into lumps full of fluid and then full of pus that may look like blisters or pimples. The lumps then open into sores and peel off. People with smallpox in monkeys should be considered contagious until the wounds peel off and fall off. The wounds of smallpox are painful. The rash has often been seen on the palms and soles of the feet in the past, but many people in this outbreak have experienced external and internal damage to the mouth, genitals and anus. People may also experience rectal pain or the need to defecate when their bowels are empty. Q: How can I get tested for monkey pox? If you have symptoms of monkey pox, including oral, genital, or anal lesions, go to the nearest sexual health clinic for testing. A medical professional should soak any suspected lesions for examination. There are also emerging indications that neck swabs may be helpful in screening for monkey pox, but health officials in the US have not yet recommended them. Q: Is there a vaccine for monkey pox? Yes. Two vaccines are effective in preventing monkey pox: the Jynneos vaccine and the ACAM2000 vaccine. The FDA has approved the Jynneos vaccine to prevent smallpox and smallpox in people 18 years of age and older. ACAM2000 is approved by the FDA for smallpox prevention. The US currently only uses 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 immunosuppressed or have skin conditions. Common side effects of Jynneos vaccine are similar to those of other vaccines and include fever, fatigue, swollen glands and irritation at the injection site. The Jynneos vaccine is effective in preventing monkey pox for 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 smallpox? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends monkeypox vaccination only for those at high risk: people who have had close contact with a person with monkeypox. men having sex with men and trans women who have recently had multiple sexual partners in an area where monkey pox was known or in an area where monkey pox is prevalent. and some health care workers, laboratory staff, first responders, and members of the military who may be in contact with those affected. Supplies of Jynneos vaccine are currently limited. The US Department of Health and Human Services’s Office of the Assistant Secretary of State for Preparedness and Response will immediately release 56,000 doses from the strategic national reserve. An additional 240,000 doses will be available in the coming weeks, 750,000 doses later this summer and 500,000 this fall, for a total of more than 1.5 million doses. Q: What other ways to reduce the risk of smallpox transmission? The best way is to educate yourself and your mates about monkey pox. If you are worried that you may have smallpox, get tested at a sexual health clinic. Many emergency rooms, emergency care centers, and other health care facilities may not be aware of monkey pox. The CDC link to find the nearest sexual health clinic is Abstain from sex if you or your partner have smallpox. And remember that condoms and dental implants can reduce but not eliminate the risk of transmission. The CDC also warns of the risk of going to raves or other parties where many people wear little clothes and to saunas and sex clubs. It has other suggestions such as washing sex toys and bedding. Q: Is there a cure for monkey pox? There is no proven, safe treatment specifically for monkey pox. Most cases of monkey pox are mild and improve without treatment within two weeks. Drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to reduce fever and muscle aches and drugs such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and opioids can be used for pain. In rare cases, some patients – such as immunocompromised people, pregnant women, fetus or newborn, breastfeeding women, young children and people with severe skin conditions – will develop a more serious illness and may need more specific treatment. Doctors try experimental therapies such as cidofovir, brincidofovir, tecovirimat and immunoglobulin vaccinia. If given early in the course of infection, Jynneos and ACAM2000 vaccines may also help reduce the severity of the disease. Q: What misinformation is circulating about monkey pox? There are many conspiracy theories about monkey pox. Monkeypox is not a hoax. Monkeypox is real. Covid vaccines cannot give you smallpox. Monkeypox was not invented by Bill Gates or the pharmaceutical companies. Monkeypox did not come from a laboratory in China or Ukraine. Immigrants crossing the US-Mexico border have not brought monkey pox to the US Monkey pox is not a ploy to allow postal voting during elections. There is no need to order monkeypox vaccine or lockdown due to monkeypox. Celine Gounder: [email protected]
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