Yesterday the Biden administration declared hMPXV, also known as monkeypox, a public health emergency, with cases on the rise across the U.S. In the last week, New York State and New York City also declared it an emergency to allow the state and city to better manage the outbreak and encourage the federal government to send more vaccines to New York.
While monkeypox is rarely fatal, it can cause significant, harmful symptoms. It’s critical to understand what this virus is, how it spreads, and how to prevent monkeypox. We also must reject stigma surrounding this public health issue.
We know that transmission is not based on a person’s race, gender, or sexual orientation; however, many public narratives about the outbreak imply otherwise. This perpetuates stigma and ultimately thwarts public education efforts.
As a health care provider and educator, we are committed to ensuring people have the medically accurate information and education they need to lead safe and healthy lives, free from shame or judgment.
Here’s what you need to know about monkeypox.
How monkeypox is transmitted:
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Monkeypox continues to be rare and does not spread easily between people without close contact.
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It can spread through skin-to-skin contact or through droplets. To spread through droplets in the air, the individuals would have to be less than 6 feet apart for 3 or more hours.
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Scientists are still researching whether monkeypox is transmitted through semen or vaginal fluids. What we do know is that the virus can be spread through the long periods of face-to-face contact you might naturally have when living with, caring for, or being intimate with someone who has monkeypox. We also know that it can be spread by skin-to-skin contact that can occur during sex.
What are the symptoms?
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Rashes, bumps, or blisters on or around the genitals or in other areas like your hands, feet, chest, or face.
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Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue. These symptoms may occur before or after the rash appears, or not at all.
How to prevent monkeypox:
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If you or a sexual partner has monkeypox, you can protect others by not sharing towels, linens, clothing, or sex toys; by avoiding oral, anal, and vaginal sex; and by not kissing or touching other people’s bodies.
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These are all precautions you can take to limit the spread of monkeypox until your rash has healed, your scabs have fallen off, and a new layer of skin is present.
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If you have been exposed to monkeypox, the CDC also recommends you get the vaccine if it is available. Vaccine availability is currently limited, and eligibility is expected to expand as supply increases. Learn more here.
Who can get monkeypox:
- Anyone who comes in close contact with monkeypox can get the disease.
- Transmission is not based on a person’s race, gender, or sexual orientation.
At Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, the health and safety of our patients and health center staff is our top priority. We are working with local public health officials to help address the spread of monkeypox in our communities and connect patients to the care and prevention resources they need.
Tags: stigma, virus, Public Health, monkeypox