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July 28, 2022

Monkeypox

Monkeypox or Viruela del Mono, in Spanish, is a virus that appears as a distinctive rash, and spreads through close contact skin to skin, sex, kissing, and breathing at close range.

The CDC is tracking an outbreak of monkeypox in several countries, including the United States.

San Francisco’s health authorities indicate an increase in infections, some of them attributed to large gatherings such as PRIDE, in June 2022, and have asked medical facilities, clinics, health centers and medical providers to monitor their patients closely.

An outreach campaign is alerting the population and recommending people learn about Monkeypox and what to do if infected.

Anyone with symptoms is strongly recommended to see a provider promptly and to stay home if feeling sick.

Symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body.

To protect oneself from monkeypox, health authorities recommend covering exposed skin when in crowds, not sharing bedding or clothing, ask close physical contacts about recent rashes or sores, and stay aware when traveling to outbreak countries.

The most important piece is to contact a medical provider if experiencing symptoms, and to stay informed on how this Monkeypox outbreak unfolds.

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