The Emergence of Monkeypox

Monkeypox has been around for awhile, but unfortunately infections have spiked recently. The first case was discovered in 1958, when 2 outbreaks occurred in groups of monkeys being used for research. So now, on top of COVID, we have monkeypox as well. Virus after virus we just can’t seem to get a break. Here's what you need to know about this new threat.

The first case reported in the United States this year was in Boston, Massachusetts. So far it has spread to every state except Wyoming, Washington, and Puerto Rico. Monkeypox is said to have all reappeared this year on May 19th, 2022, and it is still ongoing. This virus can spread through infected humans and animals. On May 23rd a rapid risk assessment took place leading the ECPPC to announce possible human-animal transmission.

Symptoms of Monkeypox include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, and more. Fortunately, this new virus doesn’t kill. In 1960, the first documented cases of the disease occurred within six unvaccinated children during the smallpox eradication efforts. These were the first cases of human monkeypox located outside the African continent. It’s possible for people to get infected by animals which is most likely how it all started, hence the name of the virus.

According to the CDC, Monkeypox spreads through direct contact with infected persons and objects that have been used by someone with Monkeypox. Speaking about Monkeypox’s uniqueness, one scientist pointed out, “We get concerned when we see a virus doing things that we don’t normally see it doing.” Scientists are still researching if monkeypox can be spread when someone has no symptoms, just like COVID.

In a news article on Science.org, epidemiologist Rosamund Lewis stated: “It’s not a concern for most people. What's more, several drugs and vaccines developed for smallpox can also treat and prevent monkeypox.” Although many people have concerns about this emerging new disease, we do already have treatments and confirmation that this virus is not likely to kill. Luckily, we have been through something like this before, and can use our past experience to approach this new problem. In fact, Smallpox vaccination provides at least 85% estimated protection against human monkeypox.

Unlike COVID, which has killed millions in the almost 3 years since it arrived in the United States, this virus rarely kills, so why are people so scared of getting it? Monkeypox can be very painful and cause permanent scarring. Who wants to go through this for 2-4 weeks? Certainly no one. Although uncommon, death due to Monkeypox is not impossible. On the 31st of July, 2022, a Monkeypox death was reported in Ghana. A 22 year old man who had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates died of monkeypox. As a result of his death, India has begun accelerating action against this virus. Since existing, common vaccines already work against monkeypox, experts have said that, unlike COVID, new mass vaccinations will not be necessary.

In conclusion, while Monkeypox is not being taken as seriously as many other viruses, this does not mean we shouldn’t take precautions against its spread. Instead, we should take this as a sign to be prepared for future epidemics.