Recent recordings from the LA County Department of Public Health show the rising rates of monkeypox infections. Many outlets have shown that this viral disease has made a comeback in 2022 leaving many worried about its effect on the United States, including public health risk, shutdowns of shops and public services, and more.
Monkeypox, now known as “m-pox,” is a virus similar to smallpox that spreads through contact with infected people, animals, or objects. Infected individuals may have symptoms including but not limited to fever, sore throat, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes (enlarged immune system glands.) The disease is classified into two strains: clade I and clade II. While clade I has been known to cause many fatal illnesses and deaths in the past through organ failure, bacteria infection, or pneumonia. Clade II is less severe and fatal, only initially causing symptoms – some of the same symptoms that made an appearance during the m-pox outbreak of 2022. Currently, it is uncertain whether clade I or II has been widely and rapidly spread among communities, yet cases from early 2024 detected the presence of clade I.
The exact starting point of m-pox is unknown, but scientists suspect it could have been that of non-human primates who had carried it and infected humans. Experts traced it back to 1958 when it was a disease carried among captive monkeys. It is also believed that it might have originated from Africa, with clade I coming from Central Africa and clade II coming from West Africa.
Some individuals expressed their concerns about a possible lockdown caused by the m-pox outbreak, where people would have to stay at home and adjust to virtual learning or work again. Due to the unpleasant and difficult experience with the COVID-19 quarantine, some students worry that a second quarantine would impact their academic progress and grades. “My grades during quarantine were not very high because it was so hard to keep up with the new learning system in 2020,” A 17-year-old high school student said. “The thought of a second quarantine would ruin my academic year.”
However, public health experts have debunked the myth and assured that the m-pox outbreak will not result in another lockdown.
As of now, the LA County Department of Public Health recommends the public frequently wash their hands, be mindful of whom they have contact with, and stay away from infected people and animals. If anyone has exhibited the symptoms of the m-pox disease they should immediately contact a healthcare provider.
