MONKEYPOX MYTHBUSTERS Myth: “You Can Only Get it Through Sex!” FACT: MPV can be transmitted through skin to skin contact, respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. The best way to keep yourself safe is to wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose and keep visits to crowded public spaces to a minimum. Scientists say the risk of airborne transmission is not as high as activities involving prolonged, face-to-face contact.
Myth: “Only Gay Men are Getting Monkey Pox!” FACT: MSM (men who have sex with men) are the primary network the current outbreak is most common in but MPV is not an STD. Children, animals, and people of all genders have had and transmitted MPV.
“Oh yeah, well then why are they the only ones who can get vaccinated?” Because there is a limited supply of vaccines, the people most at risk of exposure are being given priority, and this particular outbreak is still mainly confined to the MSM community. The last MPV outbreak in the US was short lived and primarily occurred among prairie dog enthusiasts! Many places have begun vaccinating others who may be at higher risk such as sex workers.
Myth: It’s Just Like Chickenpox! FACT: MPV is actually more similar to smallpox, and also carries a greater risk for pain, disfiguration, and other severe outcomes.
Myth: “I Already Got the Smallpox Vaccine So I’m Safe.” FACT: Routine smallpox vaccinations stopped in 1972 after the disease was eradicated in the U.S., which means smallpox vaccines are generally no longer given to the public. It has been determined that the smallpox vaccine is not sufficient protection against MPV.
Fast Facts There has been a 99% decrease in deaths from diphtheria, mumps, pertussis, and tetanus since the widespread use of vaccines in children since 1980. Regular transmission of the polio, measles and rubella viruses was eliminated in the United States, and smallpox has been eradicated worldwide, however two unvaccinated individuals in New York recently became ill from the polio virus and are now paralyzed. The New York Governor declared a state of emergency to address the spread of polio in early September. No medical intervention is without some risk, however vaccines and vaccine technology have been around for a long time, and we know they work. Remember: Wear a mask, wash your hands, keep time spent in crowds to a minimum and get the vaccine if you are eligible! For more information you can contact Nadia@nextdistro.org For additional resources check out our resource library nextdistro.org/resources