The increase in monkeypox cases has cast a slight shadow over national celebrations that recognize Pride Month, but experts generally should pay attention to people, but change their plans for the virus. It says that it is not.
As of Friday, about 45 cases of monkeypox have been identified in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
At the same time, its numbers are increasing and the virus is currently found in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Cases are mainly found in men who have sex with men.
According to the World Health Organization, monkeypox is less severe than the smallpox virus and has already infected more than a thousand people in countries where the disease is not endemic.
With so many people working on the pandemic fatigue of COVID-19, the possibility of another virus outbreak is daunting.
However, unlike the coronavirus, potential treatments and vaccines are available as soon as a case is detected in the United States, and more rounds of production are already underway.
These treatments are currently reserved for identified cases, healthcare professionals, and close associates.
Experts say there is no need to postpone the celebration of pride.
“When pride can ultimately raise awareness of unique issues in ways that are not possible at other events, I think it will send the wrong message of support to our community,” said the HealthHIV Social Services Organization. Scott Bertani, advocacy director of the company, told Hill.
He added that pride provided an opportunity to discuss health further, especially for sexual minority groups that have been historically overlooked or criticized.
Sean Cahill, director of health policy research at Fenway Health, said that people should generally not cancel their plans, but added that they should make the best choice for themselves as individuals.
“I think each individual has different risk tolerances,” says Cahill.
Always be informed, careful and careful
Epidemiologist Jay Balma, director of the Pandemic Prevention and Response Center at Cornell Medicine, advised that if you plan to attend the event, you should check yourself for symptoms such as fatigue and muscle aches. He said the COVID-19 pandemic is still going on.
He also recommended checking the skin for possible monkeypox lesions, especially in areas that are difficult to see, including areas of the anus where lesions have been observed in a few patients.
The White House said it is working to expand its testing capabilities in the United States. On Friday, officials said the US Public Health Institute is now capable of conducting more than 1000 tests per day against the orthopox virus, a family of monkeypox-falling viruses. internal.
Cahill is “stuffed” by people because monkeypox spreads through skin-to-skin contact and can spread through the respiratory fluid when monkeypox lesions form in a person’s mouth or throat. I advised you to go to the place.
Fenway Health, Cahill’s organization focused on LGBTQ healthcare and advocacy, publishes a fact sheet on the development of monkeypox.
Does not distinguish viruses
Health officials and LGBTQ advocates have repeatedly emphasized that monkeypox does not distinguish between homosexuals and heterosexuals, and that everyone needs to be constantly aware of and informed about the risks of the virus.
“Let’s be clear, this isn’t just a virus that targets the LGBTQ + community,” Tali Hannemann, director of the Human Rights Campaign’s Health and Aging Program, said in a statement.
“It is very important to provide a clear and scientific evidence-based response to blame the LGBTQ + community and prevent the spread of false information that can cause unnecessary fear and endanger life. “Hanneman said.
“There is no such thing as a’homosexual illness’,” Cahill added, adding that it is important to balance in terms of the public health message.
The disease appears to be predominantly widespread in this particular demographic, raising ugly memories of the HIV crisis and the resulting stigma.
Cahill recalled talking to fellow attendees at a recent event. We have been working on HIV for the rest of our lives. And now this. “
“I fully understand the reaction. It’s like there’s one more thing to worry about,” Cahill said. “But … if you have a little information and you’re a little cautious, you can avoid getting it.”
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