How Dangerous is Monkeypox?

Are monkeypox dangerous?

8 common questions answered

The World Health Organization recently declared monkeypox a global health emergency. Monkeypox causes lesions similar to smallpox but is milder and self-limiting for most people, meaning symptoms usually resolve without treatment.

In case you’re worried, almost everyone who’s had monkeypox in the current outbreak is alive and well. Nevertheless, monkeypox is a hot topic in the news. Allow me to ease your mind by answering these eight common questions. Q. Will monkeypox kill people all over the world similarly to the coronavirus? A. No. There will be no monkeypox lockdowns, so don’t worry! It’s not transmitted the same way. Q. How is monkeypox transmitted? A. Monkeypox is believed to be mostly sexually transmitted.

However, there are other modes of transmission such as prolonged face-to-face contact or kissing. Studies confirm that the

DNA virus is found mainly in semen, saliva, urine and/or feces. Q. Why is it named monkeypox? A. The virus was first identified from monkeys! It was discovered in 1958 when outbreaks occurred in monkeys that were being used for research. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the source of the disease remains unknown, however, monkeys (and rodents) harbor the virus. drome, along with headache, muscle aches and other flu-like symptoms. Lesions and ulcers occur as well. If you develop these issues, call your doctor and limit contact with others.

Q. Can you transmit monkeypox to your pets? A. No, you can’t give it to your pets, but your pets can give it to you. People become infected from exposure to sick animals which include gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, monkeys, dogs and cats.

Of these, rodents seem to be the biggest transmitters. Q. What can we do to minimize the spread? A. If you develop a rash, ulcer or raised lesion (or you feel sick), avoid close contact with other humans and contact your physician.

Q. What is the monkeypox case count in the U.S.? A. See the live case counts at www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mon keypox/response/2022, but this includes both monkeypox and orthopoxvirus cases combined.

Orthopox includes smallpox, vaccinia virus and cowpox. Q. What should you do if you get infected? A. Call your physician or visit an urgent care center. For home relief, consider over-the-counter analgesics and antipyretics for fever and pain. Avoid close contact with others to minimize spread. ■

Q. What are the symptoms? A. Fever is always part of the syn-

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