Monkeypox: What is it and how can it impact you?

Aug 16

With all of the news about Monkeypox, you may be feeling overwhelmed and anxious about what it is and how it will impact you and your family. As your leading testing provider, we are here to help clear this confusion. So, what is monkeypox and why has the news been covering it so closely?

Monkeypox is a poxvirus, related to smallpox, and was first discovered in 1970. It has primarily spread in Western and Central Africa, spreading from animals to humans. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, cases outside of the Africa were linked to international travel in central and western African countries. There are only a few cases worldwide each year and it’s rarely fatal.¹

This year, however, Monkeypox is now a global health emergency, declared by the World Health Organization, and a public health emergency in the United States. Though the Monkeypox virus is not a new virus, and has been present in the US since the 1980s, it is behaving in a way that we have never seen before. The virus is spreading more quickly and infecting more people throughout the United States. As of August 9, there are almost 9,000 cases of monkeypox in the United States. What seems to be happening is the disease is spreading from person to person, rather than animal to person, prompting the responses by the World Health Organization and United States’ government. Unfortunately we do not yet understand what caused this change, nor the long-term impact of the virus on our society. ²

As the United States works to understand and combat the virus, it is important to we work to help reduce infections.

How does Monkeypox Spread?

Monkeypox is spreading through bodily fluids. Sharing utensils, clothing, drinks as well as prolonged close contact, sexual activities, kissing, and other activities can transfer the Monkey Pox infection from one person to another.³

Spotting an Infection

Monkeypox symptoms begin about 3 weeks after exposure. The infection lasts about 2 to 4 weeks, causing painful lesions around the face, hands, arms, or genital areas. Typically, people will experience flu-like symptoms, first, such as fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, cough, congestion, and sore throat, before developing a rash. The rash goes through several stages throughout the infection, first looking like pimples or blisters, evolving into painful lesions.⁴

Protecting Yourself

There are a few easy measures you should implement to help reduce exposure and transmission. First, and foremost, if you are experiencing symptoms, it is recommended that you limit close contact with others, consult your healthcare provider, and get tested. If you are not experiencing symptoms, practicing good hygiene can reduce your risk of exposure. Wash your hands, sanitize surfaces, avoid sharing utensils, and avoid being in contact with people that are sick.⁵