spreading to groups outside of the LGBTQ community.
It is not uncommon for a virus outbreak to start in one particular group or setting before spreading more widely in the general population, Catherine Smallwood, senior emergency officer at the WHO, told CNBC’s “Street Signs Europe”, noting that health authorities could take cues from the early findings.
“This really might be the canary in the mine that’s alerting to us a new disease threat that could spread to other groups,” she continued.
For young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals who are more vulnerable to the virus, this could mean more severe cases.
“If it does spread to other groups — particularly to people who are vulnerable to severe monkeypox disease, which we know there are certain groups that are more prone to severe illness — then we might see increased public health impact,” she shares.
Can monkeypox be contained?
Monkeypox can be contained, however, “It really will require a major concerted effort locally, nationally and globally,” according to UCLA epidemiologist Anne Rimoin, who has studied monkeypox for decades.
U.S. officials have already expanded testing, made tens of thousands of vaccines available and made plans to release another 1.6 million doses in the coming months, NPR reports.
However, the limited supplies have not matched the demand, some health officials have reported. And despite limited testing, case numbers have grown so rapidly in recent weeks. This insinuates that a larger response may be necessary to contain the outbreak, experts say – if containment is still possible.
In the meantime, the CDC recommends protecting yourself by doing the following:
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Avoid close contact (including sexual contact) with people who are sick or have a rash and contaminated items
- Do not kiss, hug, or touch.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups.
- Do not touch the bedding or clothing of a sick person.
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Wash your hands
- Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
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Avoid animals when traveling
- Don’t touch live or dead wild animals.
- Do not touch or eat products that come from wild animals.
- Avoid touching materials, such as bedding, that have been used by animals.
- If you are traveling to work with animals, wear appropriate protective equipment and take additional precautions.
- Seek additional information and guidance if working with animals suspected of monkeypox infection
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