Top Five Things to Know About Monkeypox

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. While the global count has reached over 16,500 cases in 74 countries, the WHO assesses the risk posed by monkeypox as “moderate” worldwide and in all six of the organization’s regions, except for Europe, where the risk is considered to be “high”. In Asia, Thailand confirmed its first case. Same with Japan which detected  its first case of monkeypox in a man who had traveled recently to Europe. Fortunately, so far, there is no reported case in the Philippines yet and our health officials are doing everything to prevent it from entering the country.

So for those of you who have no clue or idea what monkeypox is, I’ve come up with this list. You know what they say- better safe than sorry!

1. Monkeypox is a much less severe cousin of the now-eradicated smallpox virus

It is endemic to parts of West and Central Africa and is usually contracted from a rodent or small mammal.

2. The WHO says the disease is transmitted by bodily fluids and contact with the rash

Symptoms usually take 6 to 13 days from infection to appear, but the time can range from 5 to 21 days, the WHO says.

3. The first symptoms of monkeypox are fever, headaches, muscle pain and back pain

Rashes subsequently appear on the face, palms of hands and soles of the feet, followed by lesions, spots and finally scabs.

4. Overall, 98 percent of infected people were gay or bisexual men

Around a third were known to have visited s ex-on-site venues such as sex parties or saunas within the previous month.

5. There are several vaccines

developed for the prevention of smallpox that also provide some protection vs. monkeypox. MVA-BN, also known as Imvamune, Imvanex, or Jynneos was  approved in 2019 for use in preventing Monkeypox but it is not yet widely available. But don’t fret. The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with the manufacturer of the vaccine to improve access to it. People who have been vaccinated against smallpox in the past, will also have some protection.