A Monkeypox disease worry among humanity has taken shape and is spreading in communities and countries where it never existed.
Experts now advise that abstinence from sex will therefore prevent the spread of the disease which has infected 257 people worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The United Kingdom has 179 confirmed cases.
According to the BBC report, people who have tested positive for the virus and their close contacts are being told to isolate at home for 21 days.
A report by WHO shows that some cases of Mankeypox have been identified through sexual health clinics in communities of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
“…given that the virus is being identified in these communities, learning about monkeypox will help ensure that as few people as possible are affected and that the outbreak can be stopped,” says WHO.
What you need to know
According to WHO, some of these cases are being found in communities of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. Transgender people and gender-diverse people may also be more vulnerable in the context of the current outbreak.
Monkeypox is an extremely rare viral disease that is similar to smallpox, but it is considered clinically less severe. The disease eventually progresses into a rash and lesions that blister and scab over. This can happen all over the body. The illness usually lasts two to four weeks.
Symptoms include:
• Rash with blisters on face, hands, feet, eyes, mouth and/or genitals
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Low energy
You can catch monkeypox if you have close physical contact with someone who is showing symptoms. This includes touching and being face-to-face.
Monkeypox can spread during close skin-to-skin contact during sex, including kissing, touching, oral and penetrative sex with someone who has symptoms. Avoid having close contact with anyone who has symptoms.
Protect yourself and others by:
• Isolating at home and talking to a health worker if you have symptoms
• Avoid skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact, including sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms
• Clean hands, objects, and surfaces that have been touched regularly
• Wear a mask if you are in close contact with someone with symptoms
NOTE; Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease, but it can spread through intimate contact during sex when someone has an active rash.
