Monkeypox: Should the world be concerned?

The world is slowly but surely dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. It has severely affected many lives, so most of us are now wary of similar threats. That is why the unusual cases of monkeypox have been making headlines on the internet.

Some people see this as a cause for alarm as memories of lockdowns still linger in their minds. Fortunately, the world is dealing with it much better compared to COVID. If everything goes smoothly, we will reach pre-pandemic recovery soon!

Let us begin by talking about the unusual cases of monkeypox recently found in 12 nations. Next, we will discuss the origins of this disease and its symptoms. More importantly, we will elaborate on why there’s no need to be nervous about this illness.

The WHO found cases of monkeypox in 12 countries

The World Health Organization detected cases of monkeypox on May 21, 2022, in the following countries:

• Australia
• Belgium
• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• The Netherlands
• Portugal
• Spain
• Sweden
• The United Kingdom
• The United States

The WHO found 92 verified cases and 28 suspected cases of this disease. That is why the global health agency is currently investigating the issue.

Monkeypox is not endemic in these countries, meaning cases are unusual for those areas. The World Health Organization expects to identify more as it expands surveillance worldwide.

Experts say that the disease does not spread like the novel coronavirus. However, President Joe Biden said that everyone should remain vigilant regarding its spread.

The President said, “We’re working on it hard to figure out what we do and what vaccine, if any, might be available for it. It is a concern in that if it were to spread, it would be consequential.”

CNN said that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is analyzing whether it should offer smallpox vaccines to healthcare staff and regular folks “high-risk” for monkeypox.

Smallpox and monkeypox come from viruses that belong to the genus Orthopoxvirus. As a result, smallpox vaccines can keep people safe from monkeypox.

Still, experts wondered how monkeypox found its way into Western countries despite being endemic to Africa. Epidemiologists from the US CDC and the University of California found insights regarding the mysterious spread.

According to CDC expert Andrea McCollum, the spread of this virus is “deeply concerning,” as recent findings suggest that it spreads without causing symptoms.

Data suggests that the case clusters included men aged 20 to 50 who engaged in sexual intercourse with other men. UCLA expert Anne Rimoin said that monkeypox does not spread from this activity yet counts as close contact.

Overview of monkeypox

It is easy to assume that monkeypox comes from chimps or gorillas. However, the name came from the first documented case of this disease in 1958.

That was when two outbreaks started in groups of monkeys that people kept for research. The major carriers of the virus are squirrels, dormice, pouched rats, and other rodents.

Humans may catch it if an animal with the virus touches them. Then, other people could get infected if they get close to the pus or cough from those infected.

Fortunately, it does not spread effectively among humans. The infection rate of monkeypox is low, and most people with the virus do not spread it to anyone else.

As you can see, this illness is not new. Monkeypox has been infecting people for hundreds or even thousands of years. In the 1970s, the world beat the threat of smallpox and monkeypox.

Vaccination drives inoculated millions of people against smallpox. As mentioned, monkeypox and smallpox viruses are similar. As cases of smallpox faded away, so did monkeypox.

The world got rid of smallpox, so countries stopped vaccinations for it. As time went on, protection from the disease waned. In other words, we have more people who are at risk.

Read More: What Is International Health Insurance?

Monkeypox is not the “next COVID.”

Rare Monkeypox Case Confirmed in Dallas; Health Experts Say No Cause for Alarm https://t.co/6F0aEfbFcP

— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) July 19, 2021

People want to get back to normal after two years of the coronavirus. That is why folks worry whenever a similar threat might be looming ahead.

Fortunately, there is no cause for alarm. As the experts said, this illness is unlikely to become as widespread or lethal as COVID. Also, the WHO and various countries are swiftly responding to it.

Studies suggest that the coronavirus came to the United States as early as December 2019. The world mounted a response a few months after that.

On the other hand, countries responded days after detecting the unusual monkeypox cases. What’s more, there are numerous treatments and vaccines for this illness.

The US has two monkeypox vaccines approved by the FDA. The country’s Strategic National Stockpile has over 100 million doses ready.

WHO director for Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness Sylvie Briand had a related statement at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. She said, “Let’s not make a mountain out of a molehill.”

She also called for an appropriate response to it worldwide. You could keep yourself safe against it by washing your hands and distancing from monkeypox patients.

Conclusion

Unusual cases of monkeypox are popping up all over the world. Fortunately, this virus barely has any chance of infecting people, and there are ample treatments and vaccines for it.

The World Health Organization and various countries are doing all they can to contain it. Unlike COVID, the world responded to it within days instead of months.

You can rest assured that our world will soon go back to normal. Stop doomscrolling, go out there, and start your new post-COVID life!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there cases of monkeypox in the US?

Yes, but the CDC said there is no cause for alarm. The country’s Strategic National Stockpile has 100 million vaccines, and current treatments are enough to deal with it.

What is the mortality rate of monkeypox?

The average mortality rate is roughly 1% to 10%. While this could vary depending on the strain, these numbers are significantly low.

How did monkeypox get to humans?

People could get monkeypox if they touch an animal with the virus. However, experts are still looking into the cause of the recent unique spread.

Does the smallpox vaccine prevent monkeypox?

Yes, the smallpox vaccine helps against monkeypox. These viruses belong to the same genus, so the same vaccine works on them.

How to avoid monkeypox?

Keep your distance from people who have monkeypox. If you did come into contact with them, wash your hands. You don’t have to wear masks or do anything else!