Monkeypox: Should we panic?

You’ll have probably heard of this new virus, but before you fret that another pandemic is on the cards, there doesn’t seem reason enough to panic just yet; this one shouldn’t bring the world to a halt.

Monkeypox is a viral infection usually found in Western and Central Africa. Recently, it has spread into Europe, Australia and America, but only in small clusters. Bumps appear on the skin, similar to that of chickenpox, but much larger in size. Other symptoms, according to the NHS, include: a high temperature, a headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen glands, shivering (chills) and exhaustion. The rash usually develops 1-5 days after an individual experiences initial symptoms.

There have been claims that Monkeypox is sexually transmitted, but this is currently disputed. It’s commonly spread through close contact, especially skin to skin, so it’s understandable that some people think it’s an STI. It does appear to be spreading more quickly through gay and bisexual communities, but again, this hasn’t been officially confirmed.

As well as being spread through skin-to-skin contact, Monkeypox can be passed on by the sharing of towels and bedding, or exposure to the coughs and sneezes of an infected person. Another way the virus can spread is via infected animals, such as rats, mice and squirrels, e.g. if humans come into contact with their blood or waste, or if they suffer a bite. It can also be spread through eating infected meat that hasn’t been cooked thoroughly or by touching any other by-product of an infected animal, such as its pelt.