Should We Be Worried About Monkeypox?

The WHO noted on June 25 that monkeypox wasn’t considered a public health emergency. More than 4,600 cases have been reported in various countries, with more than 300 in the U.S. Because of the lack of effective methods to track the spread of the disease, health officials are undercounting the cases.

Current Situation

Although the risk of monkeypox in the U.S. is low, the public should still be aware of its symptoms. As of June 27, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control reported 10 cases among women. Although it’s usually a mild disease, it can be deadly for specific individuals, such as pregnant women and those with certain skin conditions.

How Does it Spread?

Monkeypox is a viral infection and a close cousin of smallpox. It is a milder disease that can be transmitted through various forms of sexual contact, such as kissing and massage. During the current outbreak, the disease has mainly been transmitted sexually.

Although monkeypox can be transmitted through aerosols, it’s not considered a particularly effective method of transmission. It’s unclear if this can be used, as covid-19 is, though it hasn’t been documented. It’s also unclear if the disease can be transmitted to people without symptoms.

Common Symptoms

The typical symptoms of monkeypox can last for up to 21 days. Although it’s not known precisely how long the disease can survive, it can cause fevers and chills, swollen lymph nodes, and rash. Some experts believe it can cause some of the same symptoms as smallpox. However, this is based on pre-1980 science, and the use of more sophisticated diagnostic tests would have prevented this.

Is There a Cure?

Although there’s no proven treatment for monkeypox, most people who get it will recover without treatment. Some people can also use various over-the-counter medications to treat their symptoms. These include ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen.

Testing for Monkeypox

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical assistance immediately. A sexual health clinic can also test for monkeypox. In addition, there’s been evidence suggesting that throat swabs could help identify the disease. However, health officials in the U.S. are currently against using these devices.

About Dr. Christopher Zed

A respected professional with over 25 years of experience in dental health care, Dr. Christopher Zed is a Dental Surgeon and the owner of Bayview Lonsdale Dental in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Dr. Zed’s philosophy on dental care is focused on patient-centered treatment. This means that each patient has a say in their treatment plan. By utilizing a collaborative approach, Dr. Zed is able to provide information to patients that allows them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. When presented with a difficult decision, Dr. Zed provides his expert opinion, but always takes into account what the patient’s situation is.

Throughout his career, Dr. Zed has always stood confidently in the face of adversity. His personal mission is to provide excellent care to his patients, regardless of the difficulties that stand in his way. In fact, according to Dr. Christopher Zed, “it only energizes me to persevere and never play the victim.” Dr. Zed understands that growth comes from adversity, and he embraces the changes in his life that have happened due to overcoming obstacles. This sentiment has allowed him to pursue a rich career in dentistry, as his can-do spirit pushes him to succeed.

When Dr. Christopher Zed is not practicing dentistry, he enjoys spending time with his family and enjoying a multitude of hobbies. Whether he is relaxing with his 4 children, playing backgammon and cribbage, or connecting with the great outdoors, Dr. Zed appreciates the downtime he has to rejuvenate after a long day.