Monkeypox is a rare but serious illness caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, which can infect humans and other animals, such as monkeys and rodents. The human monkeypox virus belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus, according to Maryland Department of Health website.
MyMCM spoke with Dr. Fabian Sandoval, CEO and Founder of Emerson Clinical Research Institute to clarify the danger of the virus and the need of a potential vaccine.
Total confirmed monkeypox cases: 4,907 in the United States. In Maryland 111 cases confirmed by Friday according to the CDC cases map.
The Maryland Health Department shares some tips to prevent getting monkeypox:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- In Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread monkeypox virus, usually rodents and primates. Also, avoid sick or dead animals, as well as bedding or other materials they have touched.
- Healthcare providers treating potentially-infected patients should ensure that the patient is properly isolated and that the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is used.
Check this page for updates at http://www.twitter.com/MDHealthDept and https://www.facebook.com/MDHealthDept.
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