According to the 2022 CDC website, there is a total of 5,189 cases of Monkeypox in the US. In early 2022 cases of monkeypox had been reported from many countries. Since then the numbers have continued to climb. Most confirmed cases were confirmed in Europe and North America.
Most confirmed cases have been reported through sexual health or other health services from primary or secondary health-care facilities. So, what do we need to know about Monkeypox? It is a global health emergency. Cases across the world more than 22,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported in 79 countries so far.
The virus is found mostly in central and western Africa. It is stated that the virus started in some animals that pass on to people. However, it is spreading among people stated to be of men who have sex with men. Although it all not clear right now scientists are trying to figure out how it is fully being passed on.
Common symptoms of the virus are:
Infections usually last two to four weeks according to the CDC. It starts with flu symptoms – which include fever, headaches, muscle aches, and exhaustion. Infected individuals will eventually get fluid-filled bumps/pox spread across the skin.
Monkeypox can be deadly. Two different strains of the virus have different risks. The Congo Basin strain is fatal. The West African strain appears to be less severe. The milder of the two appears to be only infecting people in Europe and the United States. Monkeypox is transmitted from human to human through direct contact with infected individuals through scabs, rashes, or bodily fluids. It’s also said that it can be spread through prolonged face-to-face contact, or during intimate contact. (kissing, cuddling, or sex). According to the CDC, it can also be spread through clothing and/or bedsheets.
With all that being said ya’ll be careful. This world and epidemics and pandemics are getting out of control. It is advised that because the virus is spread from skin to skin be careful in crowded spaces where bumping into people may be unavoidable. Take care of yourselves.