Between COVID 19 and now the possibility of a monkeypox outbreak, we must value our health.
According to the Associated Press, the chances of Monkeypox turning into a global crisis is low. However, the World Health Organization said there are still many “unknowns” about the virus, like how it spreads.
During a public session on Monday (May 30), WHO’s Dr. Rosamund Lewis said anyone can face a potential risk; however, the majority of cases worldwide are in gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men. Lewis said, “It’s very important to describe this because it appears to be an increase in a mode of transmission that may have been under-recognized in the past.” She continued,
“At the moment, we are not concerned about a global pandemic. We are concerned that individuals may acquire this infection through high-risk exposure if they don’t have the information they need to protect themselves.”
The WHO is researching if Monkeypox spreads by sex or by “close contact between people engaging in sexual activity.” The outlet says Monkeypox is “known to spread when there is close physical contact with an infected person, their clothing or bedsheets.”
CNN points out that Monkeypox and COVID-19 are very different. cause for alarm as there was two years ago. Deputy director of the CDC’s Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Dr. Jennifer McQuiston said, “This is not Covid.” The outlet says Monkeypox doesn’t spread as fast. In addition, the rash that usually appears on a person’s body, are also more detectable than Covid-19 symptoms.
The WHO said Monday it doesn't believe the monkeypox outbreak currently spreading around the world will turn into a pandemic. https://t.co/8QBKWjhCBn
— ABC News (@ABC) June 1, 2022
NBC reports two positive monkeypox cases were discovered in New York City. The city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said in a Tweet on Wednesday (June 1), “Two more people have tested positive for orthopoxvirus in NYC, which is presumed to be Monkeypox. We will be conducting contact tracing and monitoring and will refer people for care if necessary. Monkeypox is rare in New York City but we can prevent the spread.” The outlet reports as of May 31, the CDC said there were 18 confirmed cases nationwide from the recent outbreak.