What You Need to Know About Monkeypox

Mark Boyer | Editor

While the universe has come a long way since COVID-19, a new epidemic has come forward in the form of Monkeypox.

According to the CDC, monkeypox is akin to the variola (or smallpox) virus. The most noticeable symptom is a rash, and other symptoms can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and fatigue. Recovery can take 2 to 4 weeks. Compared to COVID-19, Monkeypox is not a newly discovered virus, as it was first reported by the CDC in 1970. Before the current outbreak, most cases were due to international travel and imported animals.

Monkeypox is now spread through any direct contact. As of September 13, there are 22,630 total cases within the United States, 59,179 cases globally, and 672 cases in the state of Pennsylvania. Compared to the effects of COVID-19, only a small portion of the population has been impacted. The death toll within the U.S. remains nonexistent, with only 15 reported deaths worldwide. While monkeypox can be observed as a more mild illness, it doesn't eradicate others misconceptions, being dubbed the “new aids” mainly due to its prominence in sexual activity within the queer community.

To diminish the spread, the public is encouraged to wash their hands often, avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with others that have a rash like monkeypox, and objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used. The CDC also encourages vaccination in the forms of JYNNEOS vaccine or the ACAM2000 vaccine. While JYNNEOS is the primary vaccine, both can protect against smallpox and are made available to prevent monkeypox.