In August, after an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox (MPOX) a global health threat. Could this signal another shutdown like Covid in 2020?
According to The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s website – no. MPOX is caused by a virus that is related to the virus that causes smallpox. The site also states that the risk of obtaining MPOX in Pennsylvania is low, now that cases have declined significantly since 2022 when the number of cases was extremely high.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that symptoms of monkeypox can include a fever, headache, muscle and back aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough,) or a rash that could also be found on areas such as hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. MPOX is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD), therefore it cannot be spread through a sexual encounter. MPOX is not generally spread easily between people, but can be spread by super close personal contact, or direct contact with monkeypox scabs and or rashes, along with bodily fluids of a person infected with MPOX.
For those who don’t want to contract MPOX, avoid close skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like pimples or blisters, do not touch the rash or scabs of someone with monkeypox, and don’t kiss, hug, or have sex with someone with monkeypox, even though it is not an STD. Avoid handling the clothing, or unwashed bed sheets of someone with monkeypox as well. Make sure that whenever you wash your hands you are using soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
How likely do you think you are of getting MPOX? Freshman Adriana Finton claims, “I don’t believe I will ever get it… [but] it would keep me out of school.” Freshman Zayden Wise and Mrs. Chubb had similar opinions, all explaining that they are very unlikely to contract MPOX. Mrs. Chubb also referenced the availability of the vaccine.
Even though the chances a of getting MPOX in Pennsylvania are low, it is still very much possible. If you think that you have symptoms of MPOX make sure to isolate yourself until you are certain of what it is. If you test positive stay isolated until your rash heals so that you can avoid the risk of spreading monkeypox to other citizens.
