In 2020, the world was shocked by a disease named COVID-19 as it spread and shut down the world. The time during the pandemic wasn’t easy for anyone and recently there have been signs of another viral disease that might shut down the world once more.
Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, causes cysts and rashes to form all over the victim’s skin. It spreads by having close contact and can be spread before symptoms arise. However, it usually will go away on its own after around two weeks.
While dangerous, monkeypox is still in its early stages, and after COVID-19, the world is ready to do what it takes to stop this disease.
Although prevalent in other nations, here at Highlands, many people are still unaware of this disease. When asked about monkeypox, Highlands High School biology teacher, Matthew Ewald said, “I haven’t heard a ton about it other than the fact that there have been some small outbreaks around the world but other than that I haven’t heard a lot.”
Monkeypox has been declared to be a global emergency by the World Health Organization. As it has begun to spread out of Africa, monkeypox was confirmed in Sweden, Pakistan, and the Philippines which all have never reported cases of monkeypox until now.
This may seem very frightening coming so quickly after the previous pandemic, however, the United States government said they believe there is very little threat to the American people.
The U.S also spent over fifteen million dollars to support countries struggling with monkeypox in Africa.
Ewald spoke on this, “I think it’s good that we have the ability as the United States to help other countries with their public health.”
Although it is a serious disease, the internet has already gotten a hold of monkeypox. Many students at Highlands found out about monkeypox through social media apps like TikTok.
This, however, is not good as misinformation can easily spread through social media apps.
Addyson Kent (11) said, “I heard about monkeypox on Instagram. I didn’t think it was serious at first.”
However, she is not worried about the disease.
“I think that it’s gonna be fine but contracting it seems really scary.”
To spread awareness about this disease and help keep it at bay, for more information about monkeypox visit the CDC’s official website.
