The fast expanding monkeypox outbreak was deemed a worldwide health emergency by the World Health Organization. The WHO’s highest level of warning, the proclamation indicates that monkeypox poses a serious danger to world health and that a coordinated international response is required.
As an assistant professor of medicine in the division of infectious disease and immunology at NYU Langone and an immunologist and allergist, I watch an increase in cases throughout the world and want to make sure that everyone is aware of the symptoms and dangers. Knowing when to seek medical attention or when you have been exposed to get vaccinated is crucial.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
The initial sign is a cough, fever, exhaustion, and cough that feels like the flu. Lymph node swelling is another possibility.
The typical “pox” rash is made up of fluid-filled vesicles that resemble tiny, round blisters and can appear anywhere on the body, including on the face and genitalia.
Get vaccinated right away through the department of health if you have been exposed; if you are showing symptoms, alert your close friends and sexual partners that you may have been exposed.
How can someone stay safe from monkeypox?
Although HPV is also spread by intimate contact with droplets, it seems like sexual contact is currently the most prevalent way of doing so. Continue to disguise yourself indoors and use protection when having sex.
These elements increase the risk of contracting monkeypox in people:
- Multiple sexual partners
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Travel to endemic areas of the world that have high rates of monkeypox